The Running Event (TRE), North America’s premier run specialty retail conference and trade show, proudly highlights the return and continued growth of its partnerships that strengthen connection and inclusion across the running community.
As TRE heads to San Antonio, these organizations underscore the event’s commitment to collaboration, representation, and community-driven progress. The ongoing involvement of DEI-focused partners, many returning for multiple years, demonstrates the collective effort to build a more inclusive and connected running and outdoor industry.
“Each of our partners brings essential perspectives and initiatives that elevate The Running Event experience,” said Heidi Johnston, Partnership Project Manager for TRE. “Together, they help us create space for important conversations, representation, and change.”
Featured Partners:
The Running Industry Diversity Coalition (RIDC) is a nonprofit organization uniting the running industry to improve inclusion, visibility, and access for Black, Indigenous, and other people of color. For the fifth year, RIDC will lead several experiences at TRE, including the CommUnity Run, THE COOKOUT, a Deep Dive Session, and a Training Camp Theater session hosted in collaboration with On.
“As we celebrate five years of the RIDC, our partnership with TRE continues to show what’s possible when shared values meet intentional action,” said Kiera Smalls, Executive Director of RIDC. “Together, we’ve created more space, access, and visibility for communities that have long been part of running but not always represented. The progress we’ve seen at TRE over the years reflects the strength of collaboration, and we’re excited to keep building on that momentum.”
Rising Hearts is an Indigenous-led organization dedicated to elevating Indigenous voices and visibility in sports, wellness, and movement spaces. Rising Hearts will host a Training Camp Theater session titled “Building Kinship with Rising Hearts.” The session will highlight how collaboration, education, and community action can create belonging and equity across the running and outdoor industries.
The Magic Boost is a mentorship and storytelling initiative that empowers diverse creators to tell stories across the running and outdoor industries. Each year, The Magic Boost selects a new cohort of “Boosters,” some of whom produce content for and about TRE through an ongoing partnership. In addition to creating content, the partnership is an opportunity for Boosters to develop professional relationships that expand their reach and influence.
“The Magic Boost is all about introducing a diverse cohort of content creators to storytelling opportunities that broaden their networks and portfolios,” said Keith Peters, Board Member of The Magic Boost. “Our collaborative partnership with The Running Event does exactly that. Boosters create content for and about TRE and its partners while gaining exposure to industry leaders, brands, non-profits, and athletes alike. Everybody wins.”
LGBTQ Outdoors is a national nonprofit dedicated to ensuring queer people feel seen, represented, and welcomed in outdoor spaces. By fostering community and visibility, the organization works to normalize queer representation in outdoor recreation, advocacy, and leadership. LGBTQ Outdoors will lead an educational session titled “Fostering Belonging: How Inclusive Retail Drives Loyalty and Connection,” exploring authentic engagement with LGBTQ+ consumers and allies.
From first-time partners to long-standing collaborators, TRE’s partnerships continue to deepen the industry’s understanding of representation and shared growth. To view all of TRE’s 2025 partners, click here. The Running Event will take place December 2–4, 2025, at the Henry B. González Convention Center in San Antonio, Texas. View the full list of exhibitors and register at therunningevent.com.
About The Running Event
Launched in 2006, The Running Event (TRE) is North America’s premier specialty retail conference and trade show, attracting thousands of industry professionals each year who are seeking the latest in footwear, apparel, gear, and services. With numerous opportunities for peer learning, interactive conference programming, and dynamic product demonstrations and discovery, TRE has become the must-attend event for the run and outdoor specialty markets. In 2022, TRE expanded with the launch of Switchback, a dedicated space showcasing outdoor brands. Upcoming dates include Switchback at TRE (Dec. 2-4, 2025, San Antonio, TX) and Switchback Spring (June 16-18, 2026, New Orleans, LA). For more information, visit www.therunningevent.com and www.switchbackevent.com.
