December 1-3, 2026 | Henry B. González Convention Center | San Antonio, TX
December 1-3, 2026 | Henry B. González Convention Center | San Antonio, TX
The Running Event (TRE) welcomes back its annual partner webinar, Stronger Together: TRE 2025 Partner Panel! Every year, TRE partners with impactful organizations to drive greater value at the event while fostering inclusivity and collaboration across our running and outdoor communities.
This year’s panel proudly features four partner organizations: Running Industry Diversity Coalition, empowerun, LGBTQ Outdoors and The Magic Boost. During this conversation, you’ll hear directly from each organization about their mission, current work, and exciting plans for TRE 2025. Each panelist brings a unique perspective on building community, advocating for representation, and creating lasting change in the run specialty industry. Heidi Johnston, Partnerships Manager for The Running Event, will moderate this panel and unveil the significance of these partnerships while highlighting how these organizations are shaping both the event and the broader industry.
This webinar is open and free to anyone who wishes to attend.
Kathy Dalby
Co-Founder, empowerun & CEO, Pacers Running
Kathy is the CEO of Pacers Running, an award-winning running specialty retailer and events production company in the greater Washington DC region.
Kathy is an SGB (Sporting Goods Business) 40 under 40 recipient and was named 2019 Best Straight Ally by the Washington Blade, a national LGBTQ+ news organization. She is a board member of the Running Industry Diversity Coalition, a past President of the Running Industry Association, and is a co-founder of empowerun, a women’s industry networking and leadership event.
Justin Yoder
Executive Director, LGBTQ Outdoors
Justin Yoder (he/him) is the founder and Executive Director of LGBTQ Outdoors, a national nonprofit connecting the LGBTQIA+ community to nature through inclusive events, programs, and local chapters. A passionate advocate for belonging and outdoor access, Justin launched LGBTQ Outdoors in 2019 to address the lack of representation and safe spaces for queer and trans people in outdoor recreation.
Since then, the organization has grown into a vibrant movement with a network of ambassadors across the U.S. and a community of over 35,000. Justin has spoken to groups including the U.S. Forest Service, Ohio Department of Natural Resources, the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission, and The Adventure Summit, and has been featured in USA Today, Backpacker Magazine, and Facebook’s national Pride campaign with Laverne Cox.
Kiera Smalls
Executive Director, Running Industry Diversity Coalition (RIDC)
Kiera Smalls is a visionary leader and community builder dedicated to creating access and opportunity through strategic partnerships, inclusive programming, and high-impact initiatives. With expertise in nonprofit leadership, marketing, and operations, she has successfully scaled organizations, managed high-performing teams, and driven systemic change in several industries.
Currently, as Executive Director of the Running Industry Diversity Coalition, Kiera spearheads initiatives that improve inclusion, visibility, and access for Black, Indigenous, and People of Color in running and the outdoors.
Kiera reminds us that the key ingredient to being a true steward of success is paying it forward. She believes that voices from all communities deserve a seat at the table—even if that means building a bigger table.
Olu Olamigoke Jr.
Content Creator, The Magic Boost
Olumide Olamigoke Jr. — also known as “Olu” for short — is a Nigerian-American photographer, track & field coach, and digital media producer. He represented Nigeria in the 2016 Olympics in the triple jump. Since stepping away from competing as a professional athlete in 2021, he’s shifted his focus to telling stories from both behind the camera, and in front of it. He currently serves as a mentor to a growing community of young athletes and creatives alike.
Heidi Johnston
Partnership Project Manager, The Running Event
As Partnership Project Manager for The Running Event, Heidi Johnston will moderate this session and help guide the conversation around partner activations and collaborations. She’s excited to spotlight how partners are showing up throughout the event and share ways attendees can connect, learn, and get inspired onsite.
Register for this on-demand webinar by completing the fields below.
Thank you for registering for the on-demand webinar. A confirmation email will be sent shortly with access to the on-demand materials.
