Running Industry Alliance (RIA) Advisory Board 2026

The Running Industry Alliance (RIA) Advisory Board brings together experienced leaders (all RIA Members) from across the running industry to help guide strategic direction, challenge thinking and support meaningful, member-led progress. Representing a broad cross-section of the industry, the Board works closely with RIA Team and Working Groups to turn insight into action, ensuring RIA continues to evolve in line with the needs, opportunities and challenges of the sector – now and into the future.

Purpose: To support the strategic development and growth of the Running Industry Alliance (RIA) across the UK and Ireland, and globally where appropriate, through expertise, networks, and active engagement.

RIA four pillars are Membership, Events, Awards and Data
Supported by RIA’s CEO and RIA Advisory Board Chair

RIA Working Groups 2026
Announced at The Running Conference presented by haku 2025

As presented at The Running Conference presented by haku (TRC25), Running Industry Alliance (RIA) exists to empower our members to drive the running industry forwards – together. TRC25 and RIA Briefings marked an important step in that journey, with meaningful discussion, clear direction and early progress already being made across a number of areas.

What’s changed and what’s already happening?

At The Running Conference, we opened up and introduced a new Working Group structure for 2026 – designed to turn insight into action and ensure member-led progress across the industry. Since then, several projects are already being discussed or further scoped and overall interest has been strong.

Below is a recap of the six Working Groups and their purpose:

Events Working Group (RIA)

• Sharing best practice across event delivery and operations

• Exploring collaboration, standards and sustainability in events

• Addressing common challenges faced by organisers

NextGen Working Group (RIA x TIA)

• Supporting and developing the next generation of talent within the running and triathlon industry

• Improving access, pathways and education for early-career professionals

• Encouraging innovation and fresh thinking across the sector

Charity Working Group (RIA)

• Strengthening relationships between events, charities and participants

• Maximising impact, engagement and fundraising outcomes

• Exploring ethical and sustainable charity partnerships

Women’s Working Group – WMAG (RIA x TIA) 

• Championing women across all areas of the running and triathlon industry

• Improving representation, opportunity and inclusion

• Addressing barriers to participation and leadership

Retail Working Group 

• Supporting independent and specialist running retail

• Sharing insight on consumer behaviour, trends and challenges

• Exploring collaboration between retailers, brands and events

Research, Data and Insights Working Group 

• Developing a shared understanding of key industry trends and challenges

• Shaping research priorities and approaches to data in a responsible and considered way

• Informing long-term thinking and future planning across the running industry

Run It Forward Working Group

• To improve representation within RIA by creating space, access and influence for underrepresented voices across the running industry, particularly those closest to communities, participation and lived experience.
• To help reframe what ‘potential’ in running looks like, recognising impact, community value and innovation beyond traditional commercial measures, and championing diverse pathways into and through the industry.
• To connect, support and elevate Run It Forward members through RIA’s platform and working groups, ensuring their insight helps shape a more inclusive, relevant and future-facing running sector.

Applications for Run It Forward are HERE.

Get involved – Lead, Join or Propose a Working Group – in this next phase

To maintain the momentum built at TRC25, RIA is now opening applications for RIA Members to apply to:

• Lead a Working Group

• Join an existing Working Group

• Propose and lead a new Working Group where there is a clear opportunity or unmet need beyond the six announced

This next phase is a chance for members to play an active role in shaping real, practical outcomes for the running industry and to help deliver RIA’s shared mission – together.

RIA Members have received details of the next steps via the RIA Members mailer dated 22nd December 2025.

RIA Members & Alliance Partners