The Running Event (TRE), North America’s premier run specialty retail conference and trade show, today shared how its industry partners will shape the 2026 event, from educational content to on-site events and initiatives. The milestone 20th anniversary event takes place December 1-3 at the Henry B. González Convention Center in San Antonio, Texas.

Each year, TRE partners with industry organizations to welcome new, diverse perspectives and expertise to the event. Leaders from these partner groups guide TRE’s educational programming, support and develop special events and initiatives, and broaden TRE’s overall reach and impact. With both returning organizations and first-time partners headed to San Antonio this December, TRE attendees can expect to find their unique insights and missions woven into all three days of the event.   

Events and Initiatives

The Running Industry Diversity Coalition (RIDC), in partnership with On and TRE, is bringing 40 scholarship recipients to the event through the RUN FORWARD Scholarship, Powered by On. Recipients include BIPOC run specialty employees, along with community leaders working to build careers in the running industry. 

The RIDC will also host annual gatherings like the CommUnity Run, Powered by Saucony (Dec. 2) and THE COOKOUT (Dec. 2), as well as present the 2026 Community Collaboration Award at the Industry Awards Dinner (Dec. 3).

Earlier this month, TRE and Rising Hearts debuted the inaugural Industry Gives Back Award, a campaign supporting four community running organizations. All beneficiaries will be recognized at the Industry Awards Dinner.

“Partners have become an integral part of TRE, and their guidance, expertise, and reach have elevated the event in so many ways,” said Genae Salinas, Event Director, TRE. “While we know our partners will make an impact through everything they’re doing at TRE, we hope that’s just the start, and that the conversations and insights shared this December will create opportunities and new ideas well beyond the event.”

Partner-Led Education at TRE 2026

Partner organizations will lend their unique insights and experiences throughout all three days of TRE’s education programming. From conference sessions to panels at the Training Camp Theater and a live podcast at the new TRE Studio, here are several sessions featuring TRE partners:

• • Redefining Access in Running: Data, Partnership, and Community (Presented by For All Mothers+, RIDC, and Strava)
  • Growing a Running Industry for Girls: Where the Next Generation Begins (Presented by Bras for Girls)
  • Risk Management for Community Engagement: Protecting Your Store Beyond Its Walls (Presented by Road Runners Club of America)
  • Lace Up, Show Up: How Running Rebuilds Lives (Presented by Back on My Feet)
  • Trail Access and the Power of Community to Protect It (Presented by RIDC, The Conservation Alliance, and Patagonia)
  • Finding Your Stride: Women’s Leadership Panel and Networking Event (Networking hosted by empowerun)
• Running USA Reveals: Top Insights for Event Professionals from the Global Runner Survey and Beyond (Presented by Running USA)

“Too often, mothers face barriers such as access to childcare, lactation support, flexible race policies, and the time and resources needed to continue participating after having children,” said Alysia Montaño, Founder and President of For All Mothers+. “We are grateful to The Running Event for creating space for athletes, nonprofits, researchers, retailers, brands, and industry leaders to come together around these challenges and identify actionable solutions.”

Partner programming also extends to TRE Studio, a new space at the event. Verna Volker of Native Women Run, co-host of the EARTHMOVERS podcast, will be joined by Alison Mariella Désir for a live episode held at TRE Studio.

The Running Industry Association (RIA) has a booth on the show floor (#1123), serving as a meetup point for members and those interested in joining. Running USA will lead a session during TRE 2026, sharing, “Our work at Running USA is centered around the idea of educating, elevating, and engaging the running industry and its constituents, and that aligns well with our collaborations with TRE,” said Shawn Sullivan, Executive Director of Running USA. “Whether that is via programming, education, or networking, TRE is an ally to grow the running industry.”

Registration for The Running Event 2026 is now open. Click here to register. Qualified media can request credentials here.