TRC26 unveils its biggest and best programme yet for 2026
Five years in, The Running Conference presented by haku is raising the bar with its most ambitious content programme yet, bringing the running industry together for curated deep dives into what’s happening now, what’s coming next and what it means for the future.
The Running Conference presented by haku (TRC26) returns to Burleigh Court, Loughborough University (UK), from Sunday 6th to Tuesday 8th December 2026 for its fifth edition as the flagship annual member conference of Running Industry Alliance (RIA).
Now established as one of the UK’s leading business-to-business (B2B) conferences for the running industry and wider endurance ecosystem, TRC26 is set to deliver its best content programme yet, bringing together the people, organisations, ideas and intelligence shaping the future of the industry.
At the heart of the 2026 programme is a commitment to relevant, honest and forward-looking industry insight, with carefully curated content designed to go beyond the obvious and get underneath the issues that matter to businesses today.
From deep dives into the current state of the running industry to conversations exploring what’s next for brands, retail, participation, events, technology, community and the wider running ecosystem, TRC26 will create space for the industry to understand the present, challenge traditional thinking and look ahead.
The programme will combine industry intelligence, expert speakers, thought leadership, panel discussions, practical education, activations, networking and shared experiences, alongside the return of popular TRC formats including Track Stars, early morning brand activations, Pop-Up Discovery Spaces (PUDS) and evening industry events.
And while the content is designed to inform, TRC remains fundamentally about connection, bringing the industry together in a trusted, collaborative B2B environment where conversations can continue beyond the stage.
Becs Richardson, CEO of Running Industry Alliance (RIA), commented:
“Five years of The Running Conference feels like a real milestone, but for me the most exciting thing is where TRC is going next.
“We have listened to our Members, Advisory Boards, Working Groups and Alliance Partners, looked closely at what is happening across the industry and challenged ourselves to make this our best content programme yet. We are also really proud to see the TRC audience continuing to grow, with Members joining us from across the UK and Ireland, Europe and increasingly from the global running industry.
“TRC26 is about going deeper, looking at what is happening now, asking the difficult and important questions, and exploring what’s next. We want people to leave with new insight, new connections and new ideas that they can take back into their businesses.
“The Running Conference is our opportunity to bring The Running Ecosystem together, and this year we’re going to make that bigger, better and more meaningful than ever.”
What to expect at TRC26:
● Curated deep dives into the industry now and what’s next
● Best-in-class industry insight and intelligence
● Thought leadership and expert speaker content
● Open and honest conversations about the issues shaping running
● Brands, retailers, events, communities, charities, media, technology, suppliers, services and more
● Track Stars and early morning brand activations
● Pop-Up Discovery Spaces (PUDS)
● Networking and evening industry events and celebrations
● The opportunity to connect with the people shaping The Running Ecosystem
● A safe business space for Running Industry Alliance (RIA) Members
Further programme announcements and content reveals will be shared in the popular “Road to TRC26”.
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 today at www.runningindustryalliance.com/membership
TRC26
The Annual Gathering of the UK & Ireland Running Industry.
Rooted Locally. Connected Globally.
Where Business Happens.
Where the Future of Running Takes Shape.
The Running Conference presented by haku > overview agenda
www.therunningconference.com
Running Industry Alliance (RIA)
www.runningindustryalliance.com
Want to attend TRC26? Join Running Industry Alliance (RIA) today > Find out more about and apply to join now HERE.
