Almost 30,000 runners laced up for the sixth National Running Show at the NEC, Birmingham this weekend, a record-breaking number of runners for the annual event. With over 250 brands, over 50 speakers, 25 features and runners from every corner of the country, the event was the perfect kick-start to a great year of running.
Running royalty including Sir Mo Farah, Dame Kelly Holmes, Eilish McColgan, Vassos Alexander, Jasmin Paris and record-breaking winner of Spine Race 2024, Jack Scott, graced the three stages at the show to packed audiences of avid runners who queued in their hundreds to hear from and meet their #runninginspo in real life.
With over 250 brands on site, visitors shopped their favourite kit, tech, nutrition and hydration products, getting face-to-face bespoke advice tailored to their needs. Runners shopped brands including adidas, Altra, Asics, Science in Sport, Hoka, Hilly, Mizuno, Salomon and more.
Co-Host Iwan Thomas commented: “I have been hosting The National Running Show since the first year and I am continuously blown away by how much energy, enthusiasm and excitement there is in one room. To bring this many people together who choose to spend their time doing the same activity is really special, it’s certainly become the only way for runners to kick start their year.”
Susie Chan, Co-Host of National Running Show commented: “Another year, another Run Show and what a Show it was. I genuinely don’t think I’ve ever seen an event so busy. I loved meeting old friends and being introduced to new brands and I always come away feeling a little bit more excited about my year’s running adventures.”
The Show also saw the launch of the first ever National Running Show Awards that recognised and celebrated outstanding contributions to the community. 10 individuals and brands were recognised in the closed evening presentation, winners included Kevin Sinfield for ‘Inspirational Runner, Allie Bailey for ‘Coach of the Year’ and Food Bank Run for ‘Best Charity Initiative’.
Plans are already underway for a bigger Show in 2025 with speakers including Dame Denise Lewis, Scott Jurek and Shakira Akabusi already announced to speak. For visitors who love trail running, The National Outdoor Expo takes place at NEC, Birmingham 23-24 March and caters to people who love hiking, camping, watersports, trail running, climbing and cooking outdoors.