About Us

ABOUT RIA

IMPROVING THE SPORT AND BUSINESS OF RUNNING

Welcome to Running Industry Alliance (RIA)

We are here to help create alignment in the running industry through collaboration and innovation. Our focus is on building a thriving community and network that drives commercial growth for your business. As a member, you will have access to an inclusive platform that collectively solves problems and amplifies excellent work. You will become part of a larger conversation and a unified voice that breaks down barriers and strengthens the industry.

We provide our Members with alternative and effective ways to connect through a safe and social business environment.

Where we came from – Running Industry Alliance (RIA) was created in January 2022 with a simple but powerful purpose: to unite the UK and Ireland running industry under one collaborative roof with a global reach. Born out of conversations across brands, retailers, events, communities, charities, services, and media, RIA was set up to bring the industry together, create meaningful connections, and tackle shared challenges – together. From day one, the focus has been on collaboration over competition – building a trusted space where the whole industry can thrive, innovate, learn and grow stronger together. This has allowed us to develop further collaborations and focusses for the industry including now a merger with Triathlon Industry Alliance (TIA) for a Multisport approach across RIA x TIA, Running Industry Awards, The Running Conference presented by haku, Triathlon Industry Conference and more by working together as an industry.

Our values are aligned with the following:

VISIBILITY: Proactively ensuring that running is at the forefront of conversations and RIA Members are visible across channels and actively involved in various discussions.
AWARENESS: Showcasing RIA Members news, partnerships, recruitment needs, sponsorship opportunities and awareness of RIA Member activity through RIA channels (B2B and B2C).
GROWTH: Working collaboratively together with a connected approach and a focus on collective growth across the whole running sector and supported thread to and from sectors both in the UK & Ireland and globally.
CONNECTION: Connecting members to start conversations and creating connectivity and new opportunities through RIA Membership and ongoing support to nurture and thrive together and as an industry.
INSIGHTS: Establishing the true value of the Running sector through shared research, insights, data and facts.
BENEFITS: Delivering purpose-built member benefits, supporting content, facilitating access to educational topics and discussions with face-to-face meet-ups and opportunities to do business together in a supported, like-minded and safe business environment.
RECRUITMENT: Nurturing new and existing talent to assist in progressing the sectors and keep moving forward with expertise, knowledge and experience.
NETWORKING: A mix of RIA Member networking and social events includes the RIA Spring Gathering, held in April in London, and the OTS Trade Show, held in June in Liverpool. Our largest event is the annual members-only The Running Conference, held in December in Loughborough. It is a key in-person yearly conference for the Running Industry to meet, learn, and conduct business together.
SUPPORT: Support between RIA Members has created an ecosystem of positive energy and a propelling forward nature. As a collective, RIA focuses on the priority subjects that need attention, sharing knowledge, education and best practices for all to be aware of what is required to be done now and for future generations to ensure a thriving industry,

For further details or to get involved, please contact RIA Membership by email.

Visit our dedicated websites for more information and view our four pillars of Membership, Events, Awards and Data.

🌐 www.runningindustryalliance.com (RIA)
Where the UK & Ireland running industry connects, collaborates, and grows with global reach

🎤 www.therunningconference.com (TRC)
The annual business to business (B2B) conference and AGM for RIA Members and the Running Industry

🏆 www.runningindustryawards.com (AWARDS)
Celebrating the Running Industry across 11 categories and 18 awards. Join us as a RIA and / or TIA Member or Non-Member – everyone welcome to celebrate together

🏊‍♂️🚴‍♀️🏃 www.triathlonindustryalliance.com (TIA)
Supporting and shaping the Business of Triathlon