AGENDA OVERIEW:
The Running Conference
presented by haku
TRC26 Programme Overview | The 5th Edition
The Running Conference presented by haku has been designed around one ambition: bringing the running ecosystem together to better understand today, shape tomorrow and build the future of our industry.
Across three days, delegates will experience a carefully curated programme combining industry intelligence, thought leadership, practical learning, collaboration, networking and memorable shared experiences.
The programme is built around six interconnected themes:
The Marketplace > understanding the running industry today.
The Runner > exploring participation, culture and changing consumer behaviour.
The Business of Running > collaboration, commercial opportunity and innovation.
Evolution > science, technology and performance.
Challenges > navigating change, resilience and industry priorities.
Future Leadership > developing the people, partnerships and ideas that will shape the next generation of running.
Alongside the main conference programme, delegates will benefit from exclusive access to RIA industry intelligence, specialist sessions, bespoke activations, working group meetings, Pop-Up Discovery Spaces (PUDS), and unrivalled networking across the running ecosystem.
Sunday
🟡 SUNDAY 6TH DECEMBER 2026
Arrival, Connection & Opening Evening
🕒 3:00pm – 6:00pm | Arrival, Badge Collection & PUDS Exploration
📍 Burleigh Court – Business Lounge / Conference & Bar Area
Arrive, collect your badge and lanyard (required at all times) and begin your TRC26 experience. Coffee is flowing and conversations are already starting!
Explore the Pop-Up Discovery Spaces (PUDS), meet fellow attendees, and ease into the conference atmosphere.
🕞 4:00pm – 6:00pm | RIA Members Business Networking*
📍 Burleigh Conference Room
🤝 Powered by Sport in Mind & Running Industry Alliance (RIA)
A focused, energised networking session designed to connect attendees across the running industry. Friendly, structured, and open to all attending.
*pre-book required in registration
☕ Outside the session: relax in the bar area, grab a coffee, or settle into your accommodation.
🎟️ Reminder: Badges and lanyards must be worn at all times for access to all TRC26 areas.
🕔 Reset & Recharge
Time to freshen up, pause, and prepare for the evening programme.
🎉 6:00pm – 7:00pm | TRC26 Opening Celebration Evening
📍 Burleigh Court
We begin together. A relaxed welcome evening with food, drinks and connection.
🍻 Welcome Reception with ERDINGER Alkoholfrei – Burleigh Bar
🍽️ Informal Dinner with RIA, OOO & industry peers
🎶 Conversations, reconnections and new introductions
In the bar specific meet ups / hello from working groups:
Event Organiser Channel
WMAG - Women’s MultiSport Action Group
Next Gen
Charity
🌟 Outside of Ordinary (OOO) > OUT THERE SESSIONS (from 7:00pm)
📍 Burleigh Court (RIA Members only)
Part of Outside of Ordinary’s “Out There Sessions” series, tailored for RIA & B2B running industry.
Expect short, punchy talks exploring:
Creativity in running culture and business
The evolution of events, retail and brand experience
Storytelling and its role in shaping the sport’s future
A space for reflection, inspiration and connection.
🍸 After-event social continues in Burleigh Bar
🕙 11:00pm | Evening closes (informal social continues)
Monday
🟠 MONDAY 7TH DECEMBER 2026
Content, Connection & Trackside Energy
6:15am – 7:15am | Early AM Run Session > hosted by adidas*
Supported by SILVA (headlamps available to test)
📍 Meet 6:15am | Start 6:30am
All paces welcome. A collective start to the day.
*pre-book required in registration
🍳 7:00am – 8:45am | Breakfast & Social Networking
📍 Burleigh Court
Fuel up, connect, and prepare for the day ahead.
🎤 Main Conference Sessions
📍 Burleigh Conference Room
🕘 9:00am – 12:30pm | The Marketplace
A deep dive into the running industry landscape.
Themes include:
Runners’ habits & market direction (UK & USA)
Participation & market trends (UK, Europe & USA)
Data, insight & future forecasting
Brand × retail × events collaboration
AI use and application for your brand, event and business
📊 Key launches: First Look at
National Running Report 2027 (RIA × England Athletics)
Endurance Sports Survey (RIA x TIA)
Cross sector industry insight updates
☕ 10:15am – 11:00am | Coffee Break hosted by AHOTU
🥗 12:30pm – 1:30pm | Lunch & Connection
📍 Burleigh Court + PUDS
Informal networking, reflection, and discovery time.
🎙️ 1:30pm – 2:30pm | Audiences & Running Culture (UK)
Exploring how community, identity and values are shaping running.
Includes:
Culture & participation
Brand and event storytelling
Youth engagement & future audiences
Collaborative forecasting for the sport - new
AI integration in everyday
👟 2:30pm – 5:30pm | Track Stars at TRC26*
📍 Loughborough University Trackside
Hosted by Threshold Sports × krono:sports × RIA x ASICS x SportsShoes.com x Science in Sport
A high-energy, team-based track experience.
Featuring:
Relay races
Fuelling stations (SiS)
ASICS try-ons
A fun-first, inclusive industry highlight - back on the track for 2026 - who is taking home the golden baton this year?
*pre-book required in registration
🍻 6:00pm – 7:00pm | Drinks Reception & Dinner
📍 Burleigh Bar
Hosted by RIA x TIA
RIA & TIA members come together for a multisport evening of connection.
🎉 Evening Social: Let the Games Begin Again
📍 Burleigh Court
Powered by haku & Scimitar
A relaxed celebration evening with games, connection > a sprinkle of competitive spirit and huge dose of FUN!
🕚 11:00pm | Evening closes (informal socials continue)
Tuesday
🔵 TUESDAY 8TH DECEMBER 2026
Insight, Industry & Looking Ahead
6:15am – 7:15am | Early AM Run Session > Hosted by Unsanctioned Athletics × SCOTT*
Supported by Petzl (headlamps for testing) and Bridgedale Socks (to keep)
A new edition to TRC26 to start the final day.
*pre-book required in registration
🍳 7:00am – 8:45am | Breakfast & Social Networking
Final morning connections.
🎤 Morning Conference Sessions
📍 Burleigh Conference Room
9:00am – 12:00pm | Sessions 4 & 5
Evolution: stats, science, progression
Challenges: resilience, risk & change
Expert panels, research and future-facing discussion.
☕ 10:35am – 11:15am | Coffee & Connection Break
🥗 12:30pm – 1:30pm | Lunch & Connection
📍 Burleigh Court + PUDS
Informal networking, reflection, and discovery time.
🎤 1:30pm – 2:30pm | Session 6: Next Gen Leadership
Exploring the future of leadership in the running industry.
🕝 2:15pm – 4:00pm | Informal Wrap & Meetings
Space for networking, 1:1s and reflection.
ALSO TODAY:
> Event Organiser Sessions > AM
> Running Retailer Sessions > PM
> Working Group Meetings > LUNCHTIME
🏁 4:00pm | TRC26 Closes
Thank you for being part of TRC26 > See you in 2027 > save the date!