Transparent. Collaborative. Industry-led.
Our Governance Structure at Running Industry Alliance (RIA)
Running Industry Alliance (RIA) is an independent member-based alliance for the UK & Ireland’s running industry with global reach.
We are proudly independent, commercially minded, and rooted in collaboration. To ensure we serve our members with integrity and future-focus, we operate a governance structure that reflects the diversity and dynamism of our industry.
Powered by Members, For Members
At Running Industry Alliance, we proudly practice what we promote. All professional services used by RIA – including accounting, insurance, IT systems, marketing, operations, project, creative and event services – are sourced exclusively from within our Member Community wherever possible.
This ensures our investment cycles back into the industry, amplifies member businesses and fosters a trusted, mutually beneficial network. It’s one of the many ways we live our values and demonstrate active collaboration in action.
RIA Strategic Management Team and RIA Core Team
At the heart of RIA is our Strategic Management Team – a leadership group of senior industry professionals who collectively guide decision-making, oversee strategy and ensure delivery of RIA’s mission – led by our CEO Rebecca Richardson. They meet quarterly and are supported by a wider operational team.
We also convene a wider RIA Core Team (all channels), Data Team and Run Team (Brand and Retail focus) who on a scheduled basis to share insight, raise and advise on key topics and represent different segments of the industry. All meetings are with an agenda and actionable next steps by each that are tracked to maintain transparency and keep momentum.
RIA four pillars are Membership, Events, Awards and Data.
Running Industry Alliance (RIA) Advisory Board
Our Advisory Board comprises up to 10 industry leaders and are all RIA Members, representing across all ten industry channels that RIA works to – including:
Brands
Retailers
Events
Community
Charity
Services
Suppliers
Media
NGOs/NGBs
Distributors/Buying Groups
+ link to Triathlon Industry Alliance (TIA) Advisory Board
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. RIA Advisory Board is chaired by Phil Benton.
RIA Alliance Partners
Alongside our Governance structure and RIA Advisory Board, our Alliance Partners play a key role in strengthening the ecosystem. These partnerships are designed to act as fast-track bridges between Members and trusted organisations, providing access to expertise, services, and opportunities that directly support business growth. We are currently reviewing all existing partnerships to ensure they continue to deliver maximum value, while also exploring new collaborations that align with our Members’ needs and the future of the industry.
Working Groups
We have initiated with Members on RIA x TIA working groups around key topics raised for additional focus.
Regular working group meetings will be held in 2026 and minutes documented for next actionable steps for that group and overall.
Events Working Group (RIA) 2026
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
Triathlon Industry Alliance (TIA)
TIA follows structure and governance with an independent board of Industry professionals and working groups, who are all TIA Members.
RIA Events
All RIA in-person and on-line events are member-only based to ensure a safe business space where members can freely interact with each other and know that everyone attending is a RIA and / or TIA Member. A supported eco-system.
Our Governance Principles
RIA aligns with good governance standards through five key principles:
Structure – Clear and accountable decision-making, with a member-first mindset.
People – Board, Teams, Alliance Partners and Working Groups made up of diverse, experienced, and committed professionals – all RIA Members
Communication – Transparent, two-way dialogue with our members and industry stakeholders.
Standards and Conduct – Ethical, fair, and professional at every level.
Policies and Process – Legally compliant, risk-aware and forward-thinking.
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