The Running Event Opens Registration for Landmark 20th Anniversary Gathering

North America’s Premier Run Specialty Trade Event Celebrates Two Decades While Looking Ahead to the Industry’s Future

PORTLAND, Maine (August 4, 2026) The Running Event (TRE), North America’s premier run specialty retail conference and trade show, today opened registration for its 20th edition. Taking place December 1-3 at the Henry B. González Convention Center in San Antonio, Texas, the event brings together specialty retailers, brands, race organizers, media, and industry leaders for three days of business, education, product discovery, and connection. Registration is now open, and early bird pricing is available through September 24. Click here to register.

While TRE’s anniversary will be woven throughout the event, the focus will remain on supporting the people who shape run specialty. This year’s education program is centered around the theme “Celebrating Run Specialty: Now and Tomorrow,” and will feature sessions that equip retailers with practical strategies for their businesses, teams, and careers. Tracking to have the largest exhibit hall in event history, TRE 2026 already has more than 310 confirmed exhibiting brands, including cornerstone industry leaders, emerging companies, and several new-to-TRE brands. View the growing TRE 2026 exhibitor list.

“TRE has reached its 20th year because of the running industry,” said Genae Salinas, TRE Event Director. “The retailers, brands, media, and many others are the reason our event has endured. While TRE has certainly evolved over the years, our mission has remained clear from day one: create opportunities for this community to connect, get inspired, do business, and build a thriving future together.”

As always, TRE will extend beyond the show floor. Events like the Opening Party, River Walk Run, and Indie 5K offer connections outside of the exhibit hall. The newly announced 2026 Best Running Stores honorees will be recognized at the Industry Awards Dinner on December 3, where the 2026 Store of the Year will be revealed. Throughout the week, TRE exhibitors and partners will also host events and meetups. View the current event schedule. 

“Our goal is for these three days in San Antonio to be a jumping-off point for a full year of new ideas, relationships, and progress,” said Caitlin Ewing, TRE Sr. Content Manager. “We will continue listening to the industry, learning about its goals and challenges, and evolving TRE’s programming accordingly.”

TRE 2026 Highlights:

• Education Program: Guided by the theme “Celebrating Run Specialty: Now and Tomorrow,” 2026 educational content offers actionable insights for independent retail store owners, managers, buyers, merchandisers, sales associates, marketing specialists, HR leaders, race organizers, and more. Initial session highlights include: 
  • “Beyond Margin: A Discovery Workshop on Smarter Retail Profitability” (Presented by Melodie van der Baan, Max Retail)
  • “Risk Management for Community Engagement: Protecting Your Store Beyond Its Walls” (Presented by Jean Knaack, Road Runners Club of America)
  • “Built to Last: How Brands, Athletes, and Retailers Create Longevity in Trail Running” (Moderated by George Plomarity, KEEN Running)
• Expanded Exhibit Hall: The show floor brings together hundreds of market-leading, emerging, and new-to-TRE brands, giving buyers opportunities to source products, strengthen business relationships, and discover what’s next across run and outdoor specialty.
• Connection and Community: Attendees can expect intentional opportunities to connect and learn through TRE, its partners, and exhibiting brands. Signature experiences include the Opening Party at The Grotto, Tuesday morning River Walk Run, exhibit hall happy hours, and the Indie 5K.
• Switchback at TRE: The outdoor-focused extension of TRE is an opportunity for retailers and brands to make new connections and experience crossover learning opportunities between the running and outdoor markets. Learn more about Switchback at TRE.
• Industry Awards Dinner: The December 3 celebration will recognize Industry Award recipients and honor the 2026 Best Running Stores, including the Store of the Year reveal. The dinner celebrates retailers and industry members who are strengthening their communities and the entire running industry.

Register for The Running Event 2026: Registration is now open for run specialty retailers, event management professionals, and qualified media. Early bird pricing ends September 24. 

• General Attendee Registration: https://therunningevent.com/register 
• Exhibitor Inquiries: Contact TRE Sales Manager Glenn Dulberg at [email protected].

###

About The Running Event
Launched in 2006, The Running Event (TRE) is North America’s premier specialty retail conference and trade show, bringing together thousands of industry professionals to discover the latest in footwear, apparel, gear, and services. With a strong focus on innovation and industry growth, TRE provides forward-thinking conference programming, peer learning opportunities, and dynamic product discovery that help shape the future of run specialty. As the must-attend trade show for the running industry, TRE is committed to fostering innovation, supporting retailers, and driving the industry forward. For more information, visit www.therunningevent.com. 

Media Contact: [email protected]