The Running Event 2024 Breaks Records with Largest Show Yet

TRE Brings Together the Running and Outdoor Industry in Austin, TX

Austin, Texas (November 20,  2024) – The Running Event (TRE), North America’s premier run and outdoor specialty retail conference and trade show, kicked off yesterday at the Austin Convention Center in Austin, TX. The 18th annual event, running from November 19-21, today opened its 2024 exhibit hall. 336 brands span more than 90,000 square feet, all showcasing the latest innovations in footwear, apparel, nutrition, recovery, and technology. For 111 exhibitors, TRE 2024 is their first time at the event.

“This year’s event is truly remarkable—not only in its size but in the incredible energy of this community,” said Christina Henderson, Event Director, TRE. “Year after year, I’m astonished by the innovation, passion, and collaboration that TRE fosters. It’s a reminder of the importance of in-person gatherings and the magic that happens when people come together.”

The event opened Tuesday with TRE’s conference program, which included 28 education sessions covering topics such as creative customer loyalty, empowering female runners, the role of AI in specialty retail, and strategies for navigating the industry’s future. The Race Director Summit offered endurance event professionals peer networking and education, while the Pedorthic Footcare Association celebrated its 50th Annual Symposium with specialized programming. Keynote Speaker Johnny Cupcakes held his presentation “A Creative Recharge in Building Customer Loyalty & Memorable Retail Experiences,” and a panel featuring leaders from HOKA, Brooks, Saucony, and Altra discussed the future of run specialty to a standing-room-only audience.

Switchback at TRE, the event’s outdoor-focused expansion – now in its third year – features 45 outdoor brands and reflects the industry’s growing demand for trail and outdoor products. Switchback at TRE also serves as a preview to the inaugural standalone Switchback event, taking place June 16-18, 2025, in Nashville, TN.

Community-driven events also took center stage, beginning with the third annual Trail Cleanup, presented by ASICS, Tuesday morning, which welcomed more than 250 participants and resulted in 600 pounds of trash collected. The day concluded with a Welcome Reception hosted by HOKA, which kicked off the 2024 event and brought together hundreds of retailers, brands, media, and TRE partner organizations.

Thursday, the final day of TRE, will include additional education programming in the exhibit hall, the annual Indie 5K, and the 2024 Industry Awards Dinner. Stay up to date with the latest TRE via the event website and social media.

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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 (Nov. 19-21, 2024, Austin, TX) and the inaugural Switchback Spring (June 16-18, 2025, Nashville, TN). For more information, visit www.therunningevent.com and www.switchbackevent.com.

Press Information:

Contacts:  Obviouslee Marketing | [email protected],

Pale Morning Media | [email protected]

Click here for the 2024 Media Kit.