More than 30,000 visitors gathered at the NEC in Birmingham this weekend for the seventh edition of the National Running Show, a record-breaking turnout. Runners from across the UK came together for the award-winning event. Since its launch in 2018, the show has become a key fixture in the running community’s calendar with the 2025 show featuring nearly 80 speakers, over 250 brands and 26 features which included talks and interactive activations as well as a Guinness World Record attempt.
Adding a new thrilling dimension to the show this year, a Guinness World Record attempt by GB athlete, renowned ultrarunner and campaigner Sophie Power. Sophie is the founder of SheRACES, a charity that champions equity and inclusion for women in trail and ultrarunning. Completing more than 226 miles (365km) on a treadmill in 48 hours, Sophie smashed the previous world record of 211.49 miles (340km). The challenge also served as a fundraiser and awareness opportunity for SheRACES.
Abundant crowds were drawn to listen to and meet their sporting heroes and inspirational idols across three stages and numerous bespoke spaces, including the new ‘Village Green’ run by Ultra Awesome’s Allie Bailey and The Green Runners. Speakers across the weekend included Dame Denise Lewis, Jasmin Paris MBE, Sir Mo Farah, Scott Jurek, Russ Cook ‘The Hardest Geezer’, Deo Kato, Spencer Matthews, Nicky Spinks, Bryony Gordon, Damian Hall, The Running Channel team and many more thought leaders from all corners of the running community.
CEO of Raccoon Media Group, organisers of The National Running Show, Mike Seaman commented: “This has been the best show so far. The energy all weekend was palpable. There were smiles, hugs, cheers, fan photos and standing ovations. A personal highlight for me was seeing Sophie Power obliterate the World Record, she is so tough, a real inspiration and an absolute legend!”.
Plans are already in the making for the 2026 instalment of The National Running Show. Before then, outdoor lovers and trail runners will benefit from visiting The National Outdoor Expo, taking place at NEC, Birmingham 22-23 March.