New initiative will recognize and support organizations creating meaningful impact in their local communities through running
PORTLAND, Maine (October 14, 2026) — The Running Event (TRE), North America’s premier run specialty retail conference and trade show, today announced the launch of the inaugural Industry Gives Back Award, a philanthropic initiative created in partnership with Rising Hearts and debuting at TRE 2026, held December 1-3 in San Antonio, TX.
The Industry Gives Back Award was created to recognize and support organizations that are using running as a force for positive change within their local communities. Throughout the campaign, the industry will have a chance to learn more about each organization and directly support them through a public donation campaign. By providing a platform for community-focused organizations at TRE, the Industry Gives Back Award will connect the broader running industry with groups making a difference through access, belonging, and advocacy.
“TRE welcomes thousands of people each year who care deeply about the future of the running industry, and we believe our event is an opportunity to create meaningful impact together,” said Molly Decker, Marketing Manager, The Running Event. “The Industry Gives Back Award is a platform to recognize organizations making a difference and invite our industry to support their work.”
“Rising Hearts has been part of The Running Event since December 2022, and over the years, we’ve seen change, growth, and have been part of inspiring conversations that are needed across this industry,” said Jordan Whetstone, Founder and Lead Organizer, Rising Hearts. “So, with time, we’ve noticed an opportunity missing: to recognize and invest back into community – celebrating the heart work community groups are doing.”
The inaugural Industry Gives Back Award will support four organizations:
Born to Adapt exists to expand societal awareness around disabilities and to foster spaces where everyone can have access to the transformative power of movement, community, and the great outdoors. “Born to Adapt is honored to be recognized as a beneficiary of the Industry Gives Back Award at The Running Event 2026,” said Zachary Friedley, Founder of Born to Adapt. “This support helps us continue creating opportunities for para athletes to compete and be represented in the running community, including bringing athletes to races and building the first dedicated para prize purse in trail running.”
Rising Hearts is an Indigenous-led organization dedicated to amplifying community voices through kinship, movement advocacy, and storytelling. “Showing up, being part of something, connecting with people and the lands, it leads to collaborations, partnerships, and friendships,” Whetstone said. “Through the heart work that we are grateful to do, it’s expanded our community, intentionally intersecting our mission, purpose, and reasons for being part of a community that is creating the spaces for us to be seen, feel safe, be part of, and to unapologetically thrive as ourselves.”
Urban Run Club SATX’s mission is to unite runners and aspiring runners from diverse backgrounds, embracing our differences to break down barriers and create a supportive environment. “To have Urban Run Club SATX recognized through the Industry Gives Back Award is both humbling and deeply meaningful,” said Brittany Brass, Founder and Executive Director of Urban Run Club SATX. “What started as a desire to help our community feel represented in the running space has grown into a movement rooted in celebration, connection and generational change.”
Winston-Salem Queer Run Club is a run/walk club for members of the LGBTQ+ communities and their allies. “Watching people show up, find one another, support one another, and turn that idea into something bigger than I ever imagined has meant more to me than I can put into words,” said CP Pruitt, Founder of WS Queer Run Club. “To now have that work recognized on a larger stage is incredibly meaningful, and I’m so grateful for every single person who has helped prove, right here in the South, that all runners belong.”
Beginning October 14, members of the running industry and broader community are invited to contribute to the award campaign, with donations distributed equally across all four inaugural beneficiary organizations. Companies looking to make a larger commitment can participate through three partner tiers: Presenting Partner ($2,000), Impact Partner ($1,000), and Community Partner ($500). Partners whose contributions are received by the designated deadline will receive brand visibility through Industry Gives Back promotions and onsite at TRE 2026.
The campaign will culminate at TRE 2026 in San Antonio, where the total amount raised will be announced during the Industry Awards Dinner.
To learn more about the Industry Gives Back Award, meet the inaugural beneficiaries, and support the campaign, visit the Industry Gives Back Award webpage.
Registration for The Running Event 2026 is now open. Click here to register.
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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, 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.
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