The Running Conference presented by haku returns from 6th to 8th December 2026 for the 5th edition, bringing RIA Members together for a 360-degree journey through the running ecosystem, with cross-channel content, business networking and curated industry experiences.
Running Industry Alliance (RIA) has unveiled the top-line agenda and content format for The Running Conference presented by haku (TRC26), its annual Members Conference, taking place from Sunday 6th to Tuesday 8th December 2026 at Burleigh Court, Loughborough University, UK.
Exclusively for RIA Members, TRC26 provides a dedicated B2B environment for organisations across the running industry to connect, share knowledge, access industry intelligence, explore commercial opportunities and address the challenges shaping the sector.
Built around the ambition of bringing the running ecosystem together to better understand today, shape tomorrow and build the future of our industry, TRC26 will introduce an evolved content format for 2026, built around a 360-degree journey that connects the different channels of RIA Membership through shared insight, discussion and collaboration.
The three-day programme combines thought leadership, industry intelligence, practical learning, curated networking, bespoke activations and essential industry meetings, reflecting the role of TRC as both RIA's annual Members Conference and a central meeting place for the running business ecosystem and ultimate TRC Experience.
Six themes. One running ecosystem. A 360-degree journey.
The core conference content will take place across Monday 7th and Tuesday 8th December, structured around six interconnected themes shaped by RIA Member feedback.
Monday 7th December
THE MARKETPLACE. Where we are
THE BUSINESS OF RUNNING. Where's the opportunity?
EVOLUTION. What's changing?
Tuesday 8th December
THE RUNNER. Who we serve
CHALLENGES. What do we need to navigate?
THE FUTURE. What's next?
The evolved format is designed to look beyond individual channels and explore the running industry as a connected ecosystem. Across all six themes, panel discussions and sessions will bring together perspectives from brands, retailers, events, charities, communities, media, NGOs and NGBs, service providers, suppliers, buying groups, distributors and agents.
Each membership channel will have a voice across the programme, helping to create a joined-up perspective on the opportunities, challenges and developments affecting the industry.
By bringing different experiences and expertise into the same conversations, TRC26 aims to encourage fresh thinking, challenge perspectives and explore how organisations can better support one another, identify potential blockers and uncover missed opportunities.
The result is a programme designed to reflect the interconnected nature of the running business, where decisions and developments in one part of the ecosystem can have implications across the wider industry.
Sunday 6th December: Connect. Discover. Do Business.
The TRC26 experience begins on Sunday with a curated programme focused on business networking, relationship-building and opportunities for RIA Members to connect across the running ecosystem.
The programme will feature curated business networking Pop-Up Discovery Spaces (PUDS), alongside working groups, channel and Member meet-ups. These create opportunities for Members to exchange ideas, explore collaborations and progress business conversations in a more informal setting.
Sunday will also feature Outside of Ordinary’s Out There Sessions, an evening dedicated to creativity, running culture and the future, with further curated sessions continuing into the evening alongside the official opening drinks reception.
The day sets the tone for TRC26, creating space for natural connections and meaningful conversations before the core conference content begins on Monday.
More than a conference: Business, connection and shared experiences
Alongside the six core themes, TRC26 will feature a curated programme of activations and opportunities designed to help RIA Members make the most of their time together.
These include Monday and Tuesday curated morning runs, Track Stars, Out There Sessions and Pop-Up Discovery Spaces. On Monday lunchtime, Brandwave BrandLAB will provide a further opportunity for Members to connect with brands, exchange ideas and build relationships.
TRC26 also serves as a central meeting place for essential industry discussions, working group meetings, channel gatherings and other Member-led meetings. Bringing organisations and decision-makers together in one place creates valuable opportunities to share expertise, progress conversations and work collectively on industry priorities.
These experiences sit alongside the core content as an integral part of the TRC programme, recognising that collaboration and business development happen not only in conference sessions, but also through the relationships and conversations built around them.
Built by the industry, for the industry
As RIA's annual Members Conference, TRC provides a dedicated B2B space for organisations across the running industry to connect, inform, educate and advance through shared intelligence, collaboration and collective action.
The TRC26 programme reflects RIA's commitment to bringing its Members together to address common challenges, explore commercial opportunities and contribute to the future direction of the running ecosystem.
Challenges become opportunities when we bring the running industry together.
With its evolved content format, six interconnected themes and curated programme of business networking, activations and industry meetings, TRC26 will bring the RIA Membership together to share knowledge, challenge thinking and create opportunities to move the industry forward.
The Running Conference presented by haku takes place from 6th to 8th December 2026 at Burleigh Court, Loughborough University. Attendance is exclusively for RIA Members.
Organisations interested in joining RIA and attending TRC26 can apply for membership through Running Industry Alliance (RIA) as soon as possible, RIA acceptance of applications will close on 31st October 2026. Applications via the RIA Website HERE
Information about TRC & RIA Membership LAST CALL >
TRC26 takes place from 6th to 8th December 2026 at Burleigh Court, Loughborough University (UK), with access and tickets exclusively for RIA Members.
Annual RIA Membership includes one guaranteed ticket to TRC26, alongside access to RIA’s wider programme of Membership benefits, events, RIA running industry data including the exclusive Endurance Sport Survey, Member connection and industry initiatives.
Not a Running Industry Alliance (RIA) Member yet? Apply to join before 31st October 2026 at www.runningindustryalliance.com/membership
