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TitlePub. DateDuration
Running Industry Alliance Podcast – Episode #23 World of Triathlon LIVE powered by TriDot with Stuart Walker, Founder and Event Director20 Jan 202600:24:30

🎙️ 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 featuring Chris Walsh - adidas10 Oct 202500:36:25

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 - Episode #13 - featuring Vicki Turner, Sales & Marketing Manager at Bridgedale07 Jun 202400:27:20

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:

Useful links:

Running Industry Alliance Podcast - Episode #12 - featuring Hannah Beecham MBE, Founder of RED January08 May 202400:34:52

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:

Useful links: 

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!

Running Industry Alliance Podcast - Episode #11 - featuring Charlie Allen, Founder of RUNSOCIAL02 Apr 202400:35:28

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:

Useful links: 

Running Industry Alliance (RIA) Co-Leads: 

 

Running Industry Alliance Podcast - Episode #10 - featuring James Vickers01 Mar 202400:33:38

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:

Useful links: 

Running Industry Alliance (RIA) Co-Leads: 

Running Industry Alliance Podcast - Episode #9 - featuring David Birch07 Dec 202300:40:27

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:

Useful links: 

Running Industry Alliance Podcast - Episode #8 - featuring Sophie Power03 Nov 202300:31:31
Welcome to Episode 8 of the Running Industry Alliance Podcast in association with supersonic!

“Getting more women on start lines and making racing better for women”

Matt & Tom are in conversation this month with Sophie Power, Founder of SheRACES. 

Sophie Power, GB Ultramarathoner famous for running the UTMB 106 mile race whilst breastfeeding her 3 month old as she was denied the opportunity to defer her place, founded SheRACES to get more women on start lines, improve their experience and value the competitive female race equally.

In this powerful and educational episode Sophie chats about how to actively remove the barriers for women, the importance to understand that a woman’s experience is different to a man’s from language used through to imagery and logistics at events, and how the interaction between women and different parties, brands and event organisers can work positively on many levels. 

Go to www.sheraces.com for further details about SheRACES and to download the guidelines for races that Sophie talked about, email hello@sheraces.com for more information and follow @she.races on Instagram.

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:

Useful links: 

Running Industry Alliance Podcast - Episode #7 - featuring Andy Caine09 Oct 202300:52:50

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. 

Please contact Andy directly for more details. 

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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
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  • If you need someone to talk to, we listen
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  • 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 Podcast - Episode #6 - featuring Wayne Mabbott & Sophie Edwards29 Aug 202300:48:56

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:

Useful links: 


Running Industry Alliance Podcast - Episode #5 - featuring Pinky Ghadiali03 Aug 202300:27:48

Welcome to Episode 5 of the Running Industry Alliance Podcast in association with supersonic!

Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Belonging (DEIB)

Matt & Becs are in conversation this month with Pinky Ghadiali, CEO of Netwomen

Netwomen helps organisations increase profits by retaining and elevating talented female leaders to bridge the gender and ethnicity gap and keep them there. Workplace diversity is listed as an important factor by 67% of job seekers when choosing an employer, with GenZ looking for employers who are culturally and gender diverse.

Together we talk about inclusive leadership coaching, creating an inclusive workplace and fostering equity, women becoming leaders and connection between culture and gender.

"How to get comfortable with being uncomfortable"

We close the episode discussing the launch of the RIA Education Hub with learning for actionable change and more!

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:


Useful links: 

Running Industry Alliance Podcast - Episode #4 - featuring Nick Tuppen08 Jul 202300:46:22

Welcome to Episode 4 of the Running Industry Alliance Podcast in association with supersonic! 

Participation and Women's Running  : Gateway into Ultra and more

Matt & Becs are in conversation this month with Nick Tuppen, CEO of Threshold Sports; a company that lives and breathes their mantra of #MoreIsInYou. Their purpose is to help people realise their potential by creating world-class events that make the seemingly unobtainable, obtainable.

Providing this platform has seen them inspire hundreds of thousands of runners at all levels. and helped to raise millions for charity in the process.

In this episode, we carry on the conversation from episode 3 around what drives participation and whether the facts and stats discussed in episode 3 apply to all "new" experiences.

We discuss what "A Happening" is, the changing ways brands are engaging via online communities and offline events and their plans to make the UK's largest Ultramarathon over 50% women in 2024.

We close the episode discussing collaboration and the benefits of this being inbuilt into what we all do and love! (Running in case we haven't mentioned that enough!).

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:

Useful links: 

Running Industry Alliance Podcast – Episode #21 featuring Jonny Murch and Karishma Riar - Redtorch - Global Running Culture Report 202518 Sep 202500:35:11

🎙️ In this episode of the Running Industry Alliance Podcast, we’re diving into Global Running Culture 2025 – a first-of-its-kind collaboration between research and creative agency Redtorch and Running Industry Alliance (RIA).

Host Matt Ward is joined by Rebecca (Becs) Richardson (RIA CEO & Co-Founder) alongside Jonny Murch (CEO, Redtorch) and Karishma Riar (Head of Research & Insights, Redtorch) for a fascinating conversation on how running culture is evolving worldwide.

Together, we explore:
🌍 How cultural forces like social media, influencers, and innovation are reshaping running.
📊 Why some markets are brand-led while others are product-led.
👟 Key global themes including women-led running growth, creator-as-coach influence, and the rise of run clubs.
🇬🇧 Exclusive insights into the UK running scene – from parkrun to charity-driven content.
💡 How these findings can help brands, retailers, and event organisers make smarter, future-facing decisions.

This episode also lifts the lid on the collaboration between RIA and Redtorch, the unique methodology behind the report, and why data and cultural insight are central to the future of the industry.

🎧 Listen now and discover how the global state of running is changing – and what it means for your business.

📥 And you can download the full Global Running Culture 2025 report for FREE here: https://redtorch.sport/sport_on_social/global-running-culture-2025/

🗓️ Mention of The Running Conference presented by haku (7th to 9th December) and the role of Running Industry Alliance (RIA) in connecting brands, events, retailers, communities, charities, services, supplier and more.

There is a link on the homepage of the RIA website and the podcast is also available to listen to on all the major the platforms including:

Apple | Spotify | Amazon

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

Running Industry Alliance Podcast - Episode #3 - featuring Holly Woodford31 May 202300:55:12

Welcome to Episode 3 of the Running Industry Alliance Podcast in association with supersonic!

Women's Running and Participation : Addressing Challenges and Fostering Collaboration.
   
Matt & Becs are this month with inspiring guest Holly Woodford, the Co-Founder along with Mel Berry of Her Spirit, which is on a mission to make it easier for 1 million women to get active and healthier together. Holly is also the presenter of the Women’s Sport Disrupt series which launched in April. 

  • Episode 3 of our captivating RIA podcast collab series delves deep into the exhilarating world of women's running, shedding light on participation levels and tackling a concerning downward trend head-on. Prepare to be inspired as we explore various aspects, from understanding women's motivators to accepting diverse outcomes, all with the aim of encouraging more people to embrace the joy of running by dismantling barriers to entry together.
  • In this episode, we embark on an exciting journey through two emerging trends in women's running: the thrill of competing and the satisfaction of completing. We delve into the culture surrounding these trends, shining a spotlight on the power of building a supportive community that celebrates collective achievement rather than solely focusing on individual success. Brace yourself as we question the origins and effects of the elusive "5K under 30 mins" myth, unravelling its general impact on women's mental and physical well-being.
  • This podcast episode goes beyond exploration however, it seeks to ignite change whilst confronting the potential fear that comes with collaboration, recognising the existence of competing businesses in a single shared space. We ponder the question of what might be lost by failing to harness the power of collaboration, igniting an urgent call to unite and work towards a common goal.
  • Prepare to embark on a journey of action and transformation as we present several key steps to bring about change in women's running. 
  • This episode is a catalyst for continuous conversations that will reshape the running landscape, propelling us toward a brighter future for generations to come. Holly and Becs will elaborate on this further in future episodes and further announcements going forward. 

"Uncomfortable conversations often lay the groundwork for positive transformation. By fearlessly embracing these discussions, we create an environment that nurtures and propels change for the betterment of the running industry, promoting active participation, and enhancing the holistic health and well-being of all”.

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:

Useful links: 

Running Industry Alliance Podcast - Episode #2 - featuring Will Golder 27 Apr 202300:43:02

Welcome to Episode 2 of the Running Industry Alliance Podcast in association with supersonic!

  • Welcome intro and chat with Matt, Becs and Tom

Tom Kerry, an industry expert in mass participation events with over 25 years in the Running Industry, has joined  Matt and Becs to co-host episodes that focus around mass participation events, services, technology and more that help to advance the sector. 

  • Matt chats to Becs Richardson about Running Industry Alliance (RIA) updates including meet ups, 10 pillars, 6 focus areas, sharing best practice and working together as an industry 
  • Matt chats to Tom Kerry about joining as co-host of the RIA Podcast around mass participation episodes and discuss that collaboration is key and the way forward for greater good to be achieved across the landscape
  • Matt chats to Will Golder, CEO of RaceNation // SportsGiving for the main part of the RIA Podcast for this episode 2. They talk about technology, data, what the future could look like, current landscape, booking habits, boom potential, integration and opportunities, The Running Conference and more.
  • Matt concludes by chatting to Tom and Becs about the episode, thoughts and next episodes coming up! 

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:

Useful links: 

Running Industry Alliance Podcast - Episode #1 - featuring Tom Kerry, Dean Swingler and Pete Cooper30 Jan 202300:59:42

Welcome to Episode 1 of the Running Industry Alliance Podcast in association with supersonic!

·       Welcome intro and chat with Matt, Becs and Jonathan 

·       Chat about The Running Conference by Running Industry Alliance in December 2022 and Running Industry Alliance 

·       Matt chats to Tom Kerry, Head of Sport - LimeLight Sports Group 

·       Matt chats to Dean Swingler, Senior Sales Account Manager for Scimitar Sportswear 

·       Matt chats to Pete Cooper, Co-Founder & CCO of Coopah 

·       The Running Conference 2023 “save the date” is unveiled! 

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:

·       Matt Ward LINKEDIN
·       Rebecca (Becs) Richardson LINKEDIN
·       Jonathan Midwood 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 #TRC23 WEBSITE

Running Industry Alliance Podcast – Episode #20 featuring James Shipley of ATW Events07 Jul 202500:24:23

Episode 20 – Running Industry Alliance Podcast with James Shipley (ATW Events) 

Episode Overview

In Episode 20, Matt and Tom delve into the huge and consistent rise in demand for endurance events with James Shipley from ATW Events - responsible for over 100 multisport events annually. James shares ATW’s origin in 2011 as a passion project from long-distance racing & nutrition, evolving into one of the UK’s largest event portfolios.

The Event Boom

  • James highlights record-breaking performance: May entries up 54.7% YoY, the best sales month since 2011 and without launching new events.
  • Strong growth seen across Running and Triathlon events, including for example St Albans Half Marathon where registrations are +14%.
  • Contributing factors are discussed including community, wellbeing, belonging, experiential features (course music, entertainment and event villages), post-pandemic mindset shift and focus on inclusivity.

Further discussion points include on-the-ground work, insights and looking ahead at what is next for ATW Events and the industry.  RIA Alliance Advisory Board & industry collaboration and closing thoughts round off this great and insightful episode. LISTEN NOW!

Key Takeaways

  • Community, storytelling & experience over competition.
  • Seamless participant journey, personal content and engaging atmospheres proves to drive growth.
  • Collaboration via Running Industry Alliance fosters industry resilience, shared learning, connections & innovation.
  • Data-driven formats power future growth.

🗓️ Mention of The Running Conference (7th to 9th December) and the role of Running Industry Alliance (RIA) in connecting brands, events, retailers, communities and more.

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

Apple | Spotify | Amazon

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

Running Industry Alliance Podcast – Episode #19 featuring Katie Evennett of Pro:Direct05 Jun 202500:36:19

In this episode of the RIA Podcast, we dive into the world of Retail, Brand and RIA! 

Pro:Direct with Katie, shares valuable insights from one of the UK’s leading premium online sports retailers. Co-hosted with Matt and Phil. 

With a rich heritage dating back to 1981 and a pioneering online presence since 1998, Pro:Direct has evolved alongside the industry - offering a specialist approach to running and an athlete-focused mindset that drives performance, innovation, and growth.

Key topics include:

  • The running boom and what it means from a retail lens
  • Working closely with brands - navigating forecasting, sustainability and direct to consumer (D2C) shifts
  • Running product cycles and a look at how Pro:Direct supports development of product with the running brands, successful launches and other innovations coming in the future! 
  • Growing the running community through Pro:Direct Running Club, loyalty programs, money-can't-buy opportunities and education
  • Pro:Direct being one of the first to move to own imagery and content rather than brand issue - a bold move at the time
  • Collaboration over competition - why honest brand relationships and discussions matter now more than ever also with fellow retailers in the same space 
  • Katie’s perspective on where retail is headed and how being dynamic, fast paced and consumer-led is key
  • From warehouse to consumer - how 7-day fulfilment offering and custom content make a difference
  • And finally, Katie’s thoughts on how RIA brings the industry together, fosters real collaboration and helps shape the future of running across every vertical

🎧 Tune in for a deep dive into the business of running from the retail front line.

🗓️ Mention of The Running Conference (7th to 9th December) and the role of Running Industry Alliance (RIA) in connecting brands, events, retailers, communities and more.

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

Apple | Spotify | Amazon

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

Running Industry Alliance Podcast – Episode #18 featuring Andrew Smith of A.S.O. UK10 Apr 202500:35:51

Running Industry Alliance Podcast in association with supersonic – Episode #18 featuring Andrew Smith now live!

Matt and Tom are in conversation with Andrew Smith, CEO at A.S.O. UK.

In this episode, we are joined by Andrew Smith, CEO of A.S.O. UK, to talk about his fascinating journey from early beginnings in event operations to leading some of the UK’s biggest and most ambitious mass participation events. From “tea boy to CEO” (his words!), Andrew shares how early roles shaped his passion for operational excellence from managing finish lines to launching cycling events and new half marathons with purpose.

We explore the evolution of the adidas Manchester Marathon and what it takes to develop world-class events that leave a lasting legacy in their host cities.

Andrew lifts the curtain on plans to future-proof Manchester’s Marathon, create further extraordinary runner experiences, and grow the event into a weekend-long festival style celebration of running, community, and positive impact.

Looking ahead, Andrew shares exclusive insight into A.S.O. UK’s latest project collaboration – the newly announced ASICS LDNX 10K event – bringing a new kind of running experience to London this summer at the spectacular Wembley Stadium.

We talk growth, innovation, sustainability, and how A.S.O.’s DNA of creating emotion-led events is driving a bold future for running in the UK and beyond.

A brilliant conversation for anyone working in or passionate about the running industry and in particular events and mass participation. This episode is packed with lessons in leadership, creativity, and why there should be no limits to what running events can achieve and by working together.

A plethora of firsts are discussed, this is another great episode in the RIA Podcast and Members journey, one not to miss!

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Running Industry Alliance Podcast – Episode #17 featuring David Bone of Camino Ultra18 Mar 202500:32:11

Matt and Tom are in conversation with David Bone, Running Coach and Race Director at Camino Ultra. 

In this episode you learn more about Camino and how it’s all about inclusivity, how Camino came about, the importance of local based events and communities, and the power of being local with their strong East London roots. 

David talks about his journey in ultra running and how, in addition to the established events, Camino Ultra has built something that could take the community side of events to the next level with the new London 100 taking place in May 2025. We also hear about David’s running plans for the summer, why he thinks it’s an exciting time for brands with ultra running being a lot more accessible, and why we need to think about the other side of the narrative and sustainability. 

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 all the major the platforms including:

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Running Industry Alliance Podcast / Episode #16 / TRC24 sound bites from the floor >>18 Feb 202500:13:25

Episode 16 of the Running Industry Alliance Podcast in association with supersonic features a wrap up from The Running Conference 2024 presented by haku, catching some of the energy and buzz from the floor.

This episode includes sound bites from:

  • Becs Richardson, Running Industry Alliance & The Running Conference
  • Jackie Levi, haku
  • David Allen, Zen Running Club
  • Nicola Fitzmaurice, Revive Active
  • Tiffany K Martin, RIA Host / Elevated Health And Community
  • Simon Freeman, Like The Wind

You can watch the  TRC24 wrap-up video (thank you to our Filming Partner Commuter Films!) and save the date for The Running Conference 2025 presented by haku >>> 7th to 9th December 2025! More details will be announced about TRC25 very soon.

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 all the major the platforms including:

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Running Industry Alliance Podcast - Episode #15 - featuring James Thurlow, MD of Open Tracking03 Sep 202400:38:26

Running Industry Alliance Podcast in association with supersonic - Episode #15 featuring James Thurlow now live! 

Matt and Tom are in conversation with James Thurlow, MD of Open Tracking.

James’ journey in the running industry stretches back nearly two decades, initially as an event organiser but now providing the largest live GPS tracking service to some of the industry’s biggest brands and foremost events.

Having been encouraged to keep his product alive after initial challenges, Open Tacking is now regarded as the market leader and James and his team as the go-to experts. James shares his thoughts on how trackers can best benefit an event or brand, the need to be able to support up to half a million people dot watching at one time, and where he believes the technology will go in the future.

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 all the major the platforms including:

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Running Industry Alliance Podcast - Episode #14 - featuring Lia Fyles, Race Director of the London Landmarks Half Marathon08 Aug 202400:33:19

Running Industry Alliance Podcast in association with supersonic - Episode #14 featuring Lia Fyles now live! 

Matt and Tom are in conversation with Lia Fyles, Race Director of the London Landmarks Half Marathon.

"When you think about who are the faces of the LLHM, it’s not the celebrities or the athletes, it’s the fundraisers. We’ve always awarded Bib Numbers 1-10 not to our fastest runners but to special fundraisers who have gone above and beyond."

In this episode we speak with Lia Fyles, Race Director of the London Landmarks Half Marathon. We discover how maths graduate Lia with a passion for salsa dancing went from being a former English teacher and fundraiser  to leading of one of the biggest and best half marathons in the UK.

Having raised a staggering £50,000,000+ for charity since the inaugural event in 2018, the event organised by pregnancy and baby charity Tommy’s to benefit many good causes continues to go from strength to strength. Lia shares some insights into the inception of the event and expertly brings to life the importance of charity fundraising, participant experience, positive female participation, industry collaboration, and ambitions for the future.

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

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