Are you a new runner? Then making a beeline for the biggest running community meet-up in the UK could be your ultimate hack. Think of The National Running Show like an intensive driving course, only for runners; or a ‘Tourist Information Centre’ in the running universe – there to guide you through this new and confusing landscape.
Tools like the Couch to 5k app and initiatives such as parkrun make activity more accessible for beginner runners, but when it comes to the specialist terminology, training plans, tech, nutrition, apparel and more, newbies can experience information overload.
The National Running Show prides itself on being a home for every runner at every level. The community-led event annually attracts over 30,000 enthusiasts from all over the UK across two days and cultivates a fun, relaxed, encouraging and inspirational environment. It is the perfect place for beginner runners to listen to talks, try out equipment, speak to brands and fellow runners and feel far more empowered on their personal journey to achieve their goals, setting them up for 2026.
Top 10 highlights for beginners:
1. The Inspiration Stage
This stage is one of the main event attractions as the speakers and special guests draw large crowds across two days. Sporting heroes, Olympians, TV stars and individuals that have undertaken astonishing running challenges have all graced the Inspiration Stage and wowed the audiences. You can also often be immersed in live podcasts and important panel discussions via the Inspiration Stage. Visitors do not need to book this area; it operates on a first-come-first-served basis. The best approach is to view the show’s agenda when it is published in the time leading up to the event and highlight any sessions of interest on the Inspiration Stage and get there in good time. The stage is always popular but you may want to get there even earlier for the headline speakers. Following sessions, there are normally swift meet and greets, plus photos with speakers in a designated area.
2. The Running Skills Theatre
Sponsored by The Running Channel, the skills theatre is a real magnet for all runners, but especially beginners. The Running Channel is a thriving digital and in-person community, with a run club, a popular YouTube channel and podcast for runners of all abilities. The sessions in the skills theatre offer practical advice from a wide range of expert speakers. This is a supportive environment and an ideal opportunity to digest important information on how to run better, recover faster, pace yourself and manage your nutrition needs. There are also opportunities to get involved and ask questions after each presentation.
3. Harry Judd
One of the headline speakers at The National Running Show in 2026, Harry Judd has a relatable story to that of many people who don’t come from a traditional sports background but found a love of running through a different path. Known best as the drummer in British pop-rock band McFly, Harry has now run multiple marathons including London Marathon and Amsterdam Marathon. He has spoken on many podcasts in recent years about his genuine passion for running and how it has significantly helped his mental health by acting as a form of “meditation,” offering a sense of control, and releasing endorphins to combat anxiety.
4. The Events Village
Powered by RaceNation – one of the industry’s leading event registration platforms, the Events Village is where you can find out all about a wide range of events with varying distances, terrains and levels of difficulty throughout the UK. An interactive map helps guide you through locations that might be of interest and there are a number of pods allowing for an invaluable opportunity to speak directly to Race Directors and really assess whether you feel an event is the right fit for you, before potentially signing up.
5. England Athletics
Exhibiting at the show, England Athletics is the membership and development body for grass roots athletics and running clubs in England. Perfect for beginners to get advice from, their purpose is to inspire more athletes and runners of all abilities and backgrounds to fulfil their potential and to have a lifelong love for the sport. The Run Club Hub by England Athletics is where running communities, especially online ones, can converge, socialise and put names to faces at The National Running Show.
6. The Trail & Ultra Stage
Although the name may sound a little daunting to beginners, the Trail and Ultra Stage sponsored by Erdinger Alkoholfrei and 13 Valleys Ultra is not a space just occupied by people donning 100 mile belt buckles. Trail running offers a very different concept from road running, allowing enthusiasts to connect with nature and discover new places. There are many trail event options for new runners all over the UK. This stage hosts fireside, intimate chats, where inspiring runners tell their stories, from struggles to success. The space offers runners of all abilities unique insights into the journey, often from being an amateur to someone that has surmounted some of the world’s toughest challenges. This stage should come with a health warning(!) – you will leave the sessions filled with wild dreams about what you can accomplish. There are also some meet and greet opportunities around these sessions in a designated area.
7. The Kids Zone
Sponsored by funetics, this is a fun and inclusive kids’ athletic programme created by England Athletics to help 4-11 year old children across the country to learn, develop and practice running, jumping and throwing skills all year round, for a healthy confident future. Helping children to have fun whilst getting active, funetics provides a safe, fun and nurturing environment for children to develop fundamental movement skills and confidence to help support them in a different sports in the future, or prepare them to move into a Track and Club environment
8. Gait Analysis
Before you set off on a long journey, you do some basic checks on your vehicle to make sure it will get you to your destination. Gait analysis is a little like that for runners. Looking at the body and how it moves, gait analysis can highlight imbalances or weaknesses in your stride that put you at a higher risk for injuries. Inefficiencies or weaknesses, like overpronation can be corrected through specific exercises, technique adjustments, and proper footwear. Experience cutting-edge gait analysis at The National Running Show 2026 to set you up for your own journey.
9. Expert advice and exclusive products from Brands
There are in excess of over 200 brands that exhibit at The National Running Show every year. From established household names to emerging new brands in tech, shoes, nutrition, events, apparel,
equipment, run camps and more, you name it, they are there. Not just to provide a fun, immersive shopping experience, but also to give face-to-face advice and guide you to the best products and services for you. Plus, there are often exclusive offers and previews of new equipment that you can ONLY find at The National Running Show!
10. The Community
Rather than a specific stage or stand you should visit, one of the main highlights of The National Running Show for beginner runners is the community they will encounter, whether you visit for one of the days or all weekend. This is not a typical exhibition. In the same way music lovers are all drawn to visit Glastonbury of the Isle of Wight festivals, runners are drawn to The National Running Show through a shared love of running. The community environment fosters inspiration and social interactions, with many new friendships forged.
No-one at the event needs to feel alone, even if they attend solo. With many ambassadors dotted about the event to help guide you, and activities such as the Pilates Studio, The Community Marathon or The Travelator that you can either observe or get involved in. There are also many inclusive community groups such as the 261 Fearless Club, Black Girls Do Run, Fordys Running Club, Jog On and The Emancipated Run Crew who actively look to chat to and welcome you.
The National Running Show 2026 takes place on 31st January – 1st February 2026 at N.E.C Birmingham, UK. Tickets are available now and potential visitors are advised to book early to avoid disappointment, as the event historically fills to capacity. A full agenda will be published on the website in the weeks prior to the event.
Top 10 highlights for beginners at The National Running Show 2026
