RIA Announces Advisory Board Update & Launches Working Groups ‘26
As presented at The Running Conference presented by haku (TRC25), Running Industry Alliance (RIA) continues to strengthen its role in empowering members to drive the running industry forwards - together.
Following a year of growth, collaboration and industry-led insight, RIA has confirmed an update to its Advisory Board alongside the introduction of a new RIA Working Group structure starting in 2026 – both designed to ensure meaningful progress, accountability and member-led action across the industry.
Running Industry Alliance (RIA) Advisory Board – evolving to meet the needs of the industry
RIA’s Advisory Board continues to play a vital role in providing strategic guidance, challenge and sector-wide insight across retail, events, brands, charity, services and community. The latest update reflects RIA’s commitment to ensuring the Board evolves in line with the changing needs of the industry and its growing membership base.
RIA Advisory Board will work closely with RIA’s Leadership Team and RIA’s Working Groups to help connect strategic thinking with practical delivery, ensuring that insight gained across the industry is turned into tangible outcomes.
The 2026 Advisory Board and Working Group structure can be viewed here:
👉 www.runningindustryalliance.com/about/advisory-board
Introducing RIA Working Groups 2026
At TRC25, RIA formally introduced its Working Group structure, designed to move from conversation to action and to support focused, collaborative progress across key areas of the running industry. This was built in collaboration with the Members of RIA Advisory Board accelerated from a workshop review in September 2025.
Interest has been strong, with early discussions already underway and several projects being scoped across multiple groups.
The six Working Groups announced are:
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 industry talent
Improving access, pathways and education for early-career professionals
Encouraging innovation and fresh thinking across running and triathlon
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 the running and triathlon industry
Improving representation, opportunity and inclusion
Addressing barriers to participation and leadership
Retail Working Group (RIA)
Supporting independent and specialist running retailers
Sharing insight on consumer behaviour, trends and challenges
Exploring collaboration between retailers, brands and events
Research, Data and Insights Working Group (RIA)
Developing a shared understanding of industry trends and challenges
Shaping responsible approaches to research and data
Informing long-term thinking and future planning
Get involved – lead, join or propose a Working Group
To maintain the momentum built at TRC25, RIA is now opening applications for RIA Members 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.
Not a RIA Member and want to join?
RIA Membership will open from the 15th January 2026 - apply here ahead: www.runningindustryalliance.com/membership
Our Family of Websites include:
> Running Industry Alliance: www.runningindustryalliance.com
> The Running Conference presented by haku www.therunningconference.com
> Triathlon Industry Alliance: www.triathlonindustryalliance.com including Triathlon Industry Conference powered by GiveWheel
> Running Industry Awards: www.runningindustryawards.com
