Running Industry Alliance (RIA) Podcast – Détails, épisodes et analyse

🎙️ Episode 23 – World of Triathlon LIVE powered by TriDot | Set to Unite the Multisport Industry at ExceL London with Stuart Walker, Founder and Event Director 

🎙️ Hosted by Matt Ward (Supersonic) 

In this episode, we sit down with Stuart to talk about how it is a collective effort to get more people into doing triathlon, and what inspired Stuart to sign up for his first triathlon and learn to swim when he was 41. We also find out about his background in the exhibition space and what led him to put together the UK’s only dedicated multipart exhibition.

World of Triathlon LIVE powered by TriDot will bring together the entire multisport community on 28-29 March 2026. Designed as the ultimate destination for everyone from newcomers to elite athletes, the event offers an exciting platform for brands to connect directly with a passionate and curious audience, creating the largest triathlon brand activation and retail experience in the country.

We dive into:

• The volume of people in the UK doing triathlons already 
• The perceived barriers of entry 
• The goal of getting 10,000 people to the show, including swimmers, cyclists and runners 
• Stuart’s vision for the next few years 
• How to get involved and be there in March 

Join the Industry at ExceL London & get in touch now! 

World of Triathlon LIVE powered by TriDot takes place 28–29 March 2026 at ExceL London.

For exhibitor and partnership enquiries please contact stuart@worldoftriathlonlive.com

For updates and visitor registration, visit www.worldoftriathlonlive.com

🎧 Tune in now on all major podcast platforms including Apple, Spotify, Amazon and more

🗓️ Mention of The Running Conference presented by haku (save the date for 2026: 6th to 8th December) and the role of Running Industry Alliance (RIA) and Triathlon Industry Alliance (TIA)

There is a direct link to the podcast on Running Industry Alliance (RIA) website also. 

Thank you for listening, subscribe to be first to hear the latest episode drops!

Running Industry Alliance Podcast  

Episode 22 🎙️ adidas | Performance, Purpose & Progress with Chris Walsh, VP Brand - North Europe adidas - hosted by Matt Ward / Supersonic & Phil Benton / Running Industry Alliance (RIA).

In this episode, we sit down with Chris Walsh to explore how adidas continue to shape the running landscape - blending performance innovation, purpose-driven action, and a future-focused mindset.

We dive into 👇
 🏃‍♂️ The evolution of adidas in running with a discussion about product development, partnerships, events and athletes 
 🌍 Sustainability, culture & community impact
 🤝 Collaboration and connection across the industry
 🚀 Leadership, innovation & what’s next for the brand

A brilliant, forward-thinking conversation with one of the biggest names in sport - and a must-listen for anyone working in or inspired by the running industry.

🎧 Tune in now on all major podcast platforms including: Apple | Spotify | Amazon or search for Running Industry Alliance Podcast

🗓️ Mention of The Running Conference presented by haku (7th to 9th December) and the role of Running Industry Alliance (RIA) 

Running Industry Alliance Podcast in association with supersonic – Episode #13 featuring Vicki Turner now live!

Matt is in conversation this month with Vicki Turner, Sales & Marketing Manager at Bridgedale. 

“All we are trying to do is keep people comfortable on the trails, whether they are walking or running. That’s it, that’s our end goal to make durable, comfortable socks. It’s a small ambition if you like but it makes a big difference to people.” 

Vicki Turner, Bridgedale 

In this episode we discuss the history and heritage of the brand with Vicki, and how Bridgedale doesn’t just design socks but makes them. Their factory at the tip of the Strangford Lough, Newtownards, near Belfast in Northern Ireland has been knitting socks since WW1, when the first army socks were made. The strong heritage in hosiery is a feature of the Bridgedale brand and several of the team have been working in the factory for over 40 years, so they definitely know their socks! 

Matt and Vicki discuss Vicki’s journey and background in the outdoors, the brand’s strapline of why “Little things matter”, how trail running has contributed to the growth of the brand, and the success of their collaborative product development process with the end user that also led to the latest Trail Run range. We also learn about the environmental side, yarn suppliers, and Bridgedale’s commitment to the highest standards of animal welfare. 

Thank you for listening and do subscribe to be the first to hear about future episodes, and to join us on this journey for a deeper insight into the running industry.

There is a link on the homepage of the website and the podcast is also available to listen to on the following platforms:

Apple | Spotify | Amazon | Deezer

 Hosts & Guest:

• HOST & ANCHOR: Matt Ward LINKEDIN
• GUEST: Vicki Turner LINKEDIN 

Useful links:

• Bridgedale: WEBSITE
• Bridgedale Animal Welfare 
• Running Industry Alliance WEBSITE
• Running Industry Alliance ON INSTAGRAM
• Running Industry Alliance ON TWITTER
• Running Industry Alliance ON YOUTUBE
• The Running Conference presented by haku #TRC24 WEBSITE

Matt and Becs are in conversation with Hannah Beecham MBE, Founder of RED January.

"When RED January began it was at the point in time when we were really on the cusp of talking about the relationship between movement and mental health. Now we know the benefits it is really around empowering and supporting people to move in a way that works for them" Hannah Beecham MBE 

• RED January is designed to support people through winter and tackle increasing inactivity levels. Recent research shows that 1.8m adults are less active in the winter.
• RED focuses on setting realistic movement goals for every day in January. Goals that work for its community and their lifestyles, giving that community a real chance of continuing throughout the year.
• RED also represents a supportive community. People across the globe coming together to empower each other.

In this episode we discuss with Hannah the foundations and beginnings of RED. Hannah's inspiration from trying to find resources to help her mum through to celebrating  RED's 10 year anniversary with the REDers and the community! 

We discuss supportive and collaborative partnerships and how to get involved in RED, and why RED is working closely with RIA. 

A decade of movement accumulating to the launch of an additional RED resource on the 13th May, launching as part of Mental Health Awareness Week and establishing further good habits around movement and the benefits to mental and physical health. Find out more about this in this episode as we announce and talk through with Hannah. 

Mental Health Awareness Week 2024 takes place from 13th to the 19th May, with the theme this year of “Movement: Moving more for our mental health”.

Thanks for listening!

Host & Guest:

• HOST & ANCHOR: Matt Ward LINKEDIN
• CO-HOST:  Rebecca (Becs) Richardson LINKEDIN
• GUEST: Hannah Beecham MBE LINKEDIN

Useful links: 

• RED January: WEBSITE
• RED January Resource: DOWNLOADS
• RED: Community
• Running Industry Alliance WEBSITE
• Running Industry Alliance ON INSTAGRAM
• Running Industry Alliance ON TWITTER
• Running Industry Alliance ON YOUTUBE
• The Running Conference #TRC24 (8th to 10th December) WEBSITE

The Running Industry Alliance Podcast is produced by Supersonic Podcasts and presented by Matt Ward. We’d be SO grateful if you could subscribe and follow us wherever you get your podcasts.

And if you want to find out more about RIA and how you could be a member, just head to our website at www.runningindustryalliance.com  

Thanks for listening and we’ll be back with another episode soon, see ya!

Matt and Tom are in conversation with Charlie Allen, founder of Run Social.

‘RUN SOCIAL is a free after work weekly networking event designed to create a healthy, fun, and alcohol free platform for socialising, networking and exercising. It is a social running club where people can enjoy their running, improve the health, and meet new friends and expand their professional networks all at the same time.’

In this episode we hear all about the rapid growth of Run Social, Charlie’s own journey with running from being stood on London Bridge by himself hoping others would show up to run with him to what is today a network of events across the UK, international trips and the healthiest night out in London!

Having come from the worlds of professional sport and recruitment, Charlie is refreshingly not hampered by traditional views and ways of working and his entrepreneurial spirit and drive to succeed have sparked a community where people feel safe, are willing to share experiences and return time after time.

We hear about Run Socials grand ambitions for the future, why partnerships with brands are working and how being a member of Running Industry Alliance has worked for Run Social.

Charlie is a fascinating person with a wealth of ideas and creativity; listeners will get the sense that Run Social will only grow and grow and become a community highly valued and sort after by many.

Go to https://www.linkedin.com/company/run-social/ to find out more or pop along to one of the 15 free Wednesday night run clubs and join in.

Thank you for listening and do subscribe to be the first to hear about future episodes, and to join us on this journey for a deeper insight into the running industry.

Host & Guest:

• HOST & ANCHOR: Matt Ward LINKEDIN
• HOST: Tom Kerry LINKEDIN
• GUEST: Charlie Allen LINKEDIN

Useful links: 

• Running Industry Alliance WEBSITE
• Running Industry Alliance ON INSTAGRAM
• Running Industry Alliance ON TWITTER
• Running Industry Alliance ON YOUTUBE
• The Running Conference #TRC24 (8th to 10th December) WEBSITE

Running Industry Alliance (RIA) Co-Leads: 

•  Rebecca (Becs) Richardson LINKEDIN
• Jonathan Midwood LINKEDIN

Welcome to Episode 10 of the Running Industry Alliance Podcast in association with supersonic!

Matt is in conversation this month with James Vickers, CMCO of Muuvr.

"Muuvr is much more than a sports rewards app. It is the heart and soul of a new breed of visionary sports community that is committed to independence, inclusiveness, transparency and the transformative power of sport to move the human race forward".

JOIN THE REVOLUTION, JOIN THE MUUVMENT
 
In this episode we discuss the fast development of technology and Muuvr, an endurance sports application that motivates athletes to be more active through rewards and community. We discuss the benefits for community members and also for businesses to get involved.
 
This episode not only gives you an understanding of Muuvr and what they want to achieve for everyone through the transformative power of sport to move the human race forward, but also what is coming and the benefits of technology application to achieve new world experiences. Empowering active people to take ownership of their active lives.
 
"Our community athletes trade get rewarded for their activities with Muuvs, a virtual currency, these Muuvs can then be exchanged for a huge range of rewards in the Muuvr Marketplace, from the latest sports gear to exclusive event access to funding for health and wellness R&D for the benefit of the wider world".
 
James is a seasoned CMO with in-depth knowledge and experience of the endurance sports marketing landscape, the fast moving pace of technology, data deep dive to understand product requirements and growing communities members.
 
At the close of the episode we appreciate the honest discussion of why Muuvr joined Running Industry Alliance (RIA) and the interesting benefits they got from attending The Running Conference. 

Go to muuvr.io for further details about Muuvr and links to download the app.

Thank you for listening and do subscribe to be the first to hear about future episodes, and to join us on this journey for a deeper insight into the running industry.

Host & Guest:

• HOST: Matt Ward LINKEDIN
• GUEST: James Vickers LINKEDIN

Useful links: 

• Running Industry Alliance WEBSITE
• Running Industry Alliance ON INSTAGRAM
• Running Industry Alliance ON TWITTER
• Running Industry Alliance ON YOUTUBE
• The Running Conference #TRC24 (8th to 10th December) WEBSITE

Running Industry Alliance (RIA) Co-Leads: 

•  Rebecca (Becs) Richardson LINKEDIN
• Jonathan Midwood LINKEDIN

Welcome to Episode 9 of the Running Industry Alliance Podcast in association with supersonic!

Matt & Becs are in conversation this month with David Birch, CEO & Founder of Endurance Zone and Creator of CEO Unplugged.

“The rewarding way to engage, retain and learn about your customers”

We are keeping the conversation going in this episode looking at areas like:

> Fast growth of a business and how to manage that
> Funding tips and business learnings
> Finding a key focus on rewards and what that means 
> Managing a business in challenging business times
> What is the secret source to business success ......

We close the episode discussing how Endurance Zone can help the running industry and events more and the launching of CEO Unplugged! 

Value, insight, education and business learnings are all happening on this podcast, don't miss it! 

Go to www.endurancezone.com for further details about Endurance Zone,

Thank you for listening and do subscribe to be the first to hear about future episodes, and to join us on this journey for a deeper insight into the running industry.

Hosts & Guest:

• HOST & ANCHOR: Matt Ward LINKEDIN
• HOST: Rebecca Richardson LINKEDIN
• GUEST: David Birch LINKEDIN

Useful links: 

• Running Industry Alliance WEBSITE
• Running Industry Alliance ON INSTAGRAM
• Running Industry Alliance ON TWITTER
• Running Industry Alliance ON YOUTUBE
• The RIA Spring Gathering VIDEO
• The Running Conference #TRC23 WEBSITE

• HOST & ANCHOR: Matt Ward LINKEDIN
• HOST: Tom Kerry LINKEDIN
• GUEST: Sophie Power LINKEDIN

• Running Industry Alliance WEBSITE
• Running Industry Alliance ON INSTAGRAM
• Running Industry Alliance ON TWITTER
• Running Industry Alliance ON YOUTUBE
• The RIA Spring Gathering VIDEO
• The Running Conference #TRC23 WEBSITE

Welcome to Episode 7 of the Running Industry Alliance Podcast in association with supersonic

Today is World Mental Health Day, a day to talk about mental health and remind everyone that mental health matters. It’s also a day to let people know that it’s okay to ask for help, no matter what you’re going through.

An appropriate day to release the latest Running Industry Alliance (RIA) Podcast, episode #7 “Men's Mental Health - A Personal Journey and now a career” with Andy Caine.  An honest and open discussion.

“Men's Mental Health - A Personal Journey and now a career”

Andy Caine (former Nike, Puma, Foot Locker, Athlete Manager and International Athlete), Founder of In The Now How, a company which specialises in connecting to the best versions of ourselves and others. Focusing on mental fitness and resilience practices to remain centred, healthy and happy in a frantic society that pulls us off centre at every turn.

Andy runs workshops, off-site, retreats for businesses and on the other side he supports men as individuals and groups to cultivate healthy masculinity, discover purpose and redefine their leadership as men.

Andy holds a monthly free to attend men’s online group called “not having my shit together” aimed at men who just need a space to be seen and heard , to feel it’s ok to talk. 

• Details about In The Now How Men's Online Group

Please contact Andy directly for more details. 

• Email  
• Instagram
• Website 

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Samaritans are waiting for your call. Whatever you're going through, a Samaritan will face it with you. 

• Contact a Samaritan
• We're here 24 hours a day, 365 days a year
• If you need someone to talk to, we listen
• We won't judge or tell you what to do
• How to contact Samaritans HERE

Samaritans’ strategy: Tackling suicide together

"Samaritans’ 2022-27 strategy, "Tackling suicide together", outlines our main priorities for the next five years and how we’ll be working towards our vision that fewer people die by suicide".

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Thank you for listening and do subscribe to be the first to hear about future episodes, and to join us on this journey for a deeper insight into the running industry.
  
  Hosts & Guest:

• HOST & ANCHOR: Matt Ward LINKEDIN
• HOST: Rebecca Richardson LINKEDIN
• GUEST: Andy Caine LINKEDIN

Useful links: 

• Running Industry Alliance WEBSITE
• Running Industry Alliance ON INSTAGRAM
• Running Industry Alliance ON TWITTER
• Running Industry Alliance ON YOUTUBE
• The RIA Spring Gathering VIDEO
• The Running Conference #TRC23 

Welcome to Episode 6 of the Running Industry Alliance Podcast in association with supersonic!
 
 The Future of Recruitment
 
Matt & Jonathan are in conversation this month with Wayne and Sophie of Drayton Partners. 

Dayton Partners are a bespoke executive search firm, with a specialism in the Consumer Goods.  Including sectors such as Apparel & Footwear, Food & Drink, Lifestyle and Consumer Tech.  Drayton’s vast industry experience and deep search expertise combine to produce nuanced and intelligent results, allowing them to recruit across all disciplines, from senior management to board-level, executive to non-executive.

Drayton have also over the last 18months established DraytonAssess®, a 360° assessment provision, which delivers unparalleled insight and feedback for in-depth candidate assessment. The output reports provide an unbiased yet highly detailed understanding of the work styles of candidates and their preferred way of behaving. This enables Drayton Partners to build a holistic view of the people that they recommend.

“Round pegs for round holes”

Sophie and Wayne had a lot to discuss in this domain, with the primary points of focus including:

·      Career Expectations.

·      Employee’s changing priorities.

·      How AI can impact on roles and hiring.

·      Cultural ‘Fit’ vs. Cultural “Add”

·      Psychometrics to be able to find the perfect fit
 
We close the episode discussing the Future of Recruitment and setting yourself apart on your new career adventures!

Thank you for listening and do subscribe to be the first to hear about future episodes, and to join us on this journey for a deeper insight into the running industry.
 
 Hosts & Guest:

• HOST & ANCHOR: Matt Ward LINKEDIN
• HOST: Jonathan Midwood LINKEDIN
• GUEST: Wayne Mabbott LINKEDIN
• GUEST: Sophie Edwards LINKEDIN

Useful links: 

• Running Industry Alliance WEBSITE
• Running Industry Alliance ON INSTAGRAM
• Running Industry Alliance ON TWITTER
• Running Industry Alliance ON YOUTUBE
• The RIA Spring Gathering VIDEO
• The Running Conference #TRC23 WEBSITE