FAQS
Jump to: 1. About the Event · 2. Why Attend · 3. Event Format & Experience · 4. Tickets, Access & Membership · 5. Location, Venue & Logistics · 6. Triathlon Industry Conference · 7. Who Attends · 8. Activations & Programme · 9. Food, Accessibility & On-site Experience · 10. Policies, Safety & Community · 11. Contact & Support
1.ABOUT THE EVENT
What is The Running Conference presented by haku (TRC26) and its purpose?
1
TRC26 is the annual flagship, members-only B2B conference for Running Industry Alliance (RIA) Members, dedicated to the running industry. The Running Conference presented by haku (#TRC26) is a curated running industry ecosystem for decision-makers and future leaders.
TRC26 takes place from the 6th to 8th December 2026 at Burleigh Court Hotel and Conference Centre, Loughborough University, UK, bringing together the UK, Ireland and global running industry for insight, collaboration, networking and industry development > together.
TRC26 exists to bring together the running industry ecosystem to share insight, strengthen relationships, and help shape the future of the business of running.
What is TRC26 and what makes it different?
2
TRC26 is the 2026 edition of The Running Conference presented by haku. It is the UK’s leading business-to-business (B2B) running industry conference for Running Industry Alliance (RIA) Members.
TRC26 combines exclusive, first-look conference content with high-value networking opportunities, bringing together senior professionals from across the running industry ecosystem - UK, Ireland and Internationally.
The Triathlon Industry Conference powered by GiveWheel (TIC26) runs in parallel with TRC26 on Monday 7th December 2026, creating a unique cross-sector multisport environment across the running and triathlon industries.
Together, TRC26 and TIC26 provide a focused environment to do business in the industry, in person. Running Industry Alliance (RIA) and Triathlon Industry Alliance (TIA) bring the right people together in one place - from senior leaders and decision-makers to industry professionals, innovators, and the next generation of leaders shaping the market.
The conferences represent a cross-sector running and triathlon ecosystem and are widely recognised as future-facing, must-attend industry events.
Who is The Running Conference for and what industries are represented at TRC26?
3
TRC26 brings together senior decision-makers from across the running industry ecosystem, with every attendee a Member of Running Industry Alliance (RIA).
Curated exclusively for RIA Members, TRC26 is designed for the professionals shaping the future of running - including founders, CEOs, executives, senior leadership teams, innovators, decision-makers, and the next generation of industry leaders and rising stars.
Attendees represent the full breadth of the running industry, including:
Brands
Retailers
Events
Communities
Charities
Services
Suppliers
Media
National Governing Bodies (NGBs)
Buying Groups
Distributors
Together, TRC26 creates a unique environment where the running industry comes together to connect, collaborate, share insight, and help shape the future of the sport and business of running.
Who is TRC26 not for?
TRC26 is not a consumer event (B2C) and is not open to the general public. It is a RIA Members-only business to business (B2B) conference for professionals working in the running industry.
Is TRC26 a trade show or exhibition?
4
TRC26 is a business to business (B2B) running industry conference, not a trade show or exhibition. It is focussed on insight, education, networking, industry development and collaboration rather than exhibition floor. Although there are a small number of PUDS - Pop Up Discovery Spaces present at each TRC that is more curated innovation.
What are TRC26 content themes?
5
Running Industry content themes for 2026 include:
The Future of Running
Research, Data & Insights
Global Running Culture
Events & Participation
Retail & Consumer Trends
Technology & Innovation
Community & Inclusion
Performance & Participation
Industry Collaboration
2.WHY ATTEND
Why should I attend TRC26? Is TRC26 an international conference?
1
TRC26 brings together the UK, Ireland and global running industry for three days of curated content, networking, insight sharing, and collaboration opportunities designed to shape the future of the sector - together.
Yes. TRC26 brings together attendees, partners and speakers from across the UK, Ireland and the global running industry.
What makes TRC26 different from other running business events?
2
TRC26 is a members-only business to business (B2B) conference shaped by the Running Industry Alliance community, combining insight, data, networking, and industry activation in one place.
What are the benefits of attending TRC26?
3
Attendees gain access to:
Industry-leading insights and data
High-value networking opportunities
Cross-sector collaboration (running + triathlon via TIC26)
Exclusive member-only curated content
Activations and real-world industry experiences
3.EVENT FORMAT & EXPERIENCE
What happens at TRC26?
1
TRC26 features keynote talks, panels, roundtables, workshops, networking sessions, early morning runs, activations, dinners, and industry networking events.
2
Is there networking at TRC26?
Networking at TRC26 includes structured sessions, roundtables, activations including early morning runs and the popular Track Stars, plus informal social environments designed to encourage meaningful industry connections and business between Members.
Is there a networking app or platform?
3
Yes. TRC26 includes a digital event platform for registered attendees to TRC26, which supports attendee engagement and networking functionality - launching soon.
Can non-members attend TRC26?
4
No. TRC26 is a members-only event. Non-members must apply for Running Industry Alliance (RIA) Membership.
4.TICKETS, ACCESS & MEMBERSHIP
How do I get a ticket for TRC26?
1
TRC26 is exclusively for Running Industry Alliance (RIA) Members. Tickets are allocated via a private registration link shared with Members.
How much are TRC26 tickets?
2
TRC26 tickets range from £350 + VAT (Super Early Bird) to £575 + VAT (Final Call), depending on release phase and availability.
Ticket Pricing & Key Dates for TRC26 as follows:
🔹 Super Early Bird – £350 + VAT
On Sale: From opening of registration in May through to 15th July 2026
🔹 Early Bird – £425 + VAT
On Sale: 16th July - 30th September 2026
🔹 Standard – £495 + VAT
On Sale: 1st October to 31st October 2026
🔹 Final Call (subject to availability) £575 + VAT
On Sale: 1st November to 18th November 2026 (unless sold out)
Joining Running Industry Alliance (RIA) 12 month Membership includes 1 x guaranteed ticket to TRC26, find out more about RIA Membership and joining HERE.
Please note that additional tickets cannot be guaranteed and are subject to availability.
We recommend securing any extra tickets as early as possible to avoid disappointment, there is a capacity at the venue and TRC is sold out very year.
This will be the 5th year of TRC.
What does my TRC26 ticket include?
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There are a variety of participation options available for RIA Members depending on their sector involvement across the industry. A TRC26 ticket includes:
Full access to The Running Conference presented by haku (#TRC26), the annual members-only conference for Running Industry Alliance (RIA)
Access to all keynote talks, panel discussions, roundtables and curated conference content
Access to structured and informal networking opportunities across the 3-day programme
Access to the official TRC26 networking platform to connect with other RIA Members and schedule meetings - launching soon
Access to all industry activations and experiences taking place across the conference
Participation in curated morning runs, sessions and wellbeing-based movement activities
Entry to the Business Networking Session (Sunday opening session)
Access to two evening networking socials and drinks receptions
Access to exclusive first-look industry research, data and insight releases
Full catering throughout the event, including 2 x breakfasts, 2 x lunches and 2 x dinners (served at Burleigh Court)
Tea and coffee during scheduled breaks
Free onsite parking throughout the event
Access to the wider TRC26 experience, including networking spaces and informal meeting areas across the venue
Opportunity to take part in selected activations such as Track Stars (where applicable) and other partner-led experiences
In short: your TRC26 ticket gives you full access to the complete conference experience, designed to connect, inform and bring together the running industry ecosystem.
On Monday evening (7th December) RIA x TIA Members join together for “Let the Games Begin Again” industry evening filled with fun, connection and making lasting memories!
Accommodation is not included, but exclusive onsite hotel booking rates are available for RIA and TIA Members.
Is TRC26 included in RIA Membership?
4
Yes. Full RIA Membership includes one guaranteed ticket to TRC26.
Can I buy additional tickets?
5
Yes, additional tickets may be available for team members of RIA Member organisations, subject to availability.
5.LOCATION, VENUE & LOGISTICS
Where is TRC26 held?
1
TRC26 takes place at Burleigh Court, Loughborough University, UK.
Burleigh Court Hotel and Conference Centre
Off Ashby Road (A512),
Loughborough University (West Park),
Loughborough,
Leicestershire,
LE11 3GR
How do I get to TRC26?
2
The venue is located in the East Midlands and is accessible by road, rail, and air. Full travel guidance is available on the TRAVEL page.
Is accommodation available at TRC26?
3
Yes. Onsite accommodation is available at Burleigh Court and The Link Hotel via exclusive booking rates / links for RIA and TIA Members.
Is parking available at TRC26?
4
Yes. Free onsite parking is included for all attendees - you must enter your registration number onsite each day or complete the registration ahead via a link that the TRC26 team will send out.
6.TRIATHLON INDUSTRY CONFERENCE
What is the Triathlon Industry Conference (TIC26)?
1
TIC26 is a one-day conference for Triathlon Industry Alliance (TIA) Members held alongside TRC26, focused on the future of the triathlon industry.
Registration for the Triathlon Industry Conference powered by GiveWheel on 7th December will open in June and all TIA Members will be notified.
How is TRC26 connected to TIC26?
2
TIC26 runs alongside TRC26, creating a unique cross-industry environment where running and triathlon professionals can connect and collaborate.
7.WHO ATTENDS
Which industry sectors is TRC26 for?
1
TRC26 is a business to business (B2B) industry running conference attended by Running Industry Alliance (RIA) Members across the running industry including brands, retailers, events, charities, communities, suppliers, services, media, NGBs, buying groups and distributors.
Who attends TRC26?
2
TRC26 brings together senior leaders and professionals from across the running industry ecosystem, including:
Founders and CEOs
Brand leaders and directors, sales, marketing, technical, HR and other area of running business (B2B) across various job roles and levels
Retail executives and buyers
Event organisers and operators
Community leaders
Media and content professionals
National governing bodies and NGOs
Industry service providers and suppliers
Attendees represent businesses and organisations from across the UK, Ireland and international running industry.
TRC26 is designed to create meaningful connections between decision-makers, innovators and industry professionals shaping the future of running.
8. ACTIVATIONS & PROGRAMME
What is Track Stars at TRC26?
1
Track Stars is a 1-mile relay activation held at the High Performance Athletics Centre (HiPAC), Loughborough University, delivered with industry partners including ASICS, SportsShoes.com, Threshold Sports, krono:sports, Science in Sport and RIA.
What activities are included in TRC26?
2
TRC26 includes:
Conference sessions
Roundtables
Networking sessions
Early morning runs
Activations
Evening social events
Industry insights and data launches
PUDS - Pop Up Discovery Spaces
9. FOOD, ACCESSIBILITY & ON-SITE EXPERIENCE
Is food included at TRC26?
1
Yes. All meals are included in your ticket and served at Burleigh Court Hotel and Conference Centre.
For full attendance this includes 2 x breakfast, 2x lunch and 2 x evening dinners.
Can dietary requirements be accommodated?
2
Yes. Vegan, vegetarian, pescatarian, gluten-free, dairy-free and coeliac (celiac) requirements are catered for. You must include any specifics dietary requirements and allergies that we need to be aware of when you register.
What should I wear to TRC26?
3
Smart casual attire is recommended, with running kit encouraged for activations and morning sessions.
10. POLICIES, SAFETY & COMMUNITY
What is the age limit for TRC26?
1
TRC26 is strictly 18+.
Is there a safeguarding policy?
2
Yes. RIA has a formal safeguarding policy covering all events and community activities. There will be a safeguarding nominated officer on site at TRC26.
11. CONTACT & SUPPORT
How do I contact the TRC26 team?
1
For all enquiries, please contact the Running Industry Alliance team via the official contact email HERE
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What industries are represented at TRC26 and are Members of RIA?
Members of RIA and attendees of TRC26 span:
Running Brands
Retailers
Events / Race Directors
Technology / Suppliers / Innovation
Services
Media
Charities
Communities and Running Crews
National Governing Bodies (NGB’s) and NGO’s
Buying Groups, Agents and Distributors
Want to apply to join Running Industry Alliance (RIA)?
3
Visit Running Industry Alliance (RIA) website for further info about the organiser of The Running Conference (TRC).
Not a RIA Member and want to join, apply HERE.
Want to apply to join Triathlon Industry Alliance (TIA)?
4
Visit Triathlon Industry Alliance (TIA) website for further info about TIA.
Not a TIA Member and want to join, apply HERE.
Keep up to date on the latest news channels on our websites:
The Running Conference (TRC): www.therunningconference.com
Running Industry Alliance (RIA): www.runningindustryalliance.com
Triathlon Industry Alliance (TIA) & Triathlon Industry Conference (TIC) : www.triathlonindustryalliance.com
Running Industry Awards: www.runningindustryawards.com
Our social channels including:
How can I follow the latest RIA & TIA News?
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Great news – thank you!
If you are interested in getting involved with The Running Conference presented by haku 2026 or any of the other events happening alongside the conference (or in the future!), please get in touch so we can start the conversation early.
Applications are now open - just email us HERE.
Opportunities include speaking slots, panel discussions, roundtable hosting, sponsoring, activation hosting, and much more.
Or, if you want to apply directly to speak at TRC26, you can apply HERE.
I want to do more at TRC26, how do I get in touch?
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What are the dates for The Running Conference 2027 and can I get involved?
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5th to 7th December 2027
If you would like to enquire about speaking, panel discussions, round table hosting, sponsoring, activation hosting or more at TRC27, please email HERE with your thoughts ahead on an email.