The Running Conference Presented by haku 2025 Delivers Its Best Edition Yet, Driving the Running Industry Forward
Running Industry Alliance (RIA) is celebrating its most successful event to date following the conclusion of The Running Conference presented by haku, which was held from 7th to 9th December 2025 at Burleigh Court Hotel and Conference Centre, Loughborough University.
Bringing together every corner of the Running Industry Alliance (RIA) Member Ecosystem - including brands, retailers, events, media, charities, communities, services, suppliers, NGBs, buying groups, and distributors - TRC25 set a new industry benchmark for connection, conversation, and collective industry impact.
A Curated Content Journey Across the Running Industry
TRC25 offered a connected, content-rich experience - designed to empower RIA Members to drive the running industry forwards together. The programme spanned six tailored sessions and a 360-degree journey through the ten member verticals:
· Runners’ Habits & Market Direction (UK & USA)
· Participation & Market Trends (UK, Europe & USA)
· Audiences & Running Culture (UK)
· Evolution: Stats, Progression, Science & Sport
· Challenges: Risks, Resilience & Change
· NextGen: Business Leadership
Attendees also explored many curated reports on real-time data, and actionable insights designed to inform strategic decisions across all ten RIA member channels.
More Than Just Content: Where Business Happens Naturally
TRC25 wasn’t just about knowledge sharing - it was about meaningful connections and collaboration. Early-morning runs, Track Stars, high-energy roundtable working groups and two evenings of networking events - Creative Assembly on Sunday and Let The Games Begin on Monday - created opportunities for authentic conversations, friendly fun engagements, member-to-member business deals to be built and cross-sector collaboration.
Record Engagement and Industry Impact
With many RIA Members from the UK, Ireland, and beyond (Europe and Global), TRC25 was described by attendees as “the most valuable yet,” “the perfect mix of grounded stats and future thinking” and “the only safe business space where the entire industry genuinely comes together for a 360-degree view.”
Running Industry Alliance (RIA) Co-Founder & CEO Becs Richardson said: "This year felt different in the best possible way. The conversations were deeper, the connections were stronger, and the shared ambition across the room was undeniable. The Running Conference 2025, presented by haku, was our biggest and best yet because of the people who showed up ready to move the industry forwards together and break down historic industry barriers. RIA and our members are all about the industry first over competition, and that showed through more than ever before. A huge thank you to all our incredible Members, Partners and Supporters, whose support made this milestone edition possible".
Jackie Levi, Chief Strategy Officer at haku, added: “We’re incredibly proud of our partnership with The Running Conference. TRC25 was a powerful reminder of what makes this industry special and the people behind the events. It was inspiring to connect with so many industry leaders and to be part of meaningful conversations about the future of running. For us at haku, supporting a space where race directors, marketers, operators, brands, and community leaders come together to share ideas and move the industry forward is exactly what this partnership is about.”
Looking Ahead
The Running Conference presented by haku continues to grow as the annual conference for RIA Members and a central meeting point for industry progress. Planning is already underway for the 2026 edition, taking place from 6th to 8th December 2026 - more details to be unveiled in early 2026.
For information on Running Industry Alliance (RIA) Membership or opportunities to be part of next year’s programme, visit www.therunningconference.com or www.runningindustryalliance.com - new membership applications will open from the 15th January 2026 onwards.