Global Running Day serves as a powerful reminder for individuals to pause and reflect on the profound physical and mental benefits that running brings to daily life. It acts as a moment of collective gratitude for the personal breakthroughs, mental clarity, and inclusive community spaces that the sport consistently fosters.
This atmosphere of widespread appreciation provides the perfect opportunity for the organisers of The National Running Show to announce that the 2027 edition will mark its landmark 10-year anniversary celebration. Since its debut, the event has grown into a fixture for the community, making this global celebration of movement the perfect time to honour the past decade of growth and look forward to the upcoming milestone.
What began as a single spark of passion from CEO Mike Seaman - a revolutionary idea that took root in the quiet confines of a garden shed - has since ignited into a staple UK community gathering. January 2027 marks a monumental occasion, on 30-31 January 2027 at NEC Birmingham, The National Running Show will celebrate a decade of standing fiercely at the beating heart of the UK running community - and everyone is invited!
The journey started with a historic debut in January 2018. The NEC Birmingham opened its doors to an unexpected tidal wave of around 15,000 passionate runners, all searching for a place to connect. Ten years later, that gathering has evolved into the UK’s ultimate annual epicentre for runners of every ability. Driven by purpose and a relentless community spirit, the multi-award-winning event has more than doubled in size. Today, it stands as an industry dynamo, consistently drawing over 30,000 eager visitors, hundreds of active and inclusive running clubs, and 250 world-class brands under one roof.
Over the past decade, global running has undergone a massive transformation that closely mirrors the growth of The National Running Show. What was once a largely solitary pursuit has evolved into a global movement. Today, run clubs worldwide welcome everyone from beginners to elite athletes, while trail running, and ultramarathons have exploded in popularity. This grassroots growth is matched by enhanced media coverage and live streaming, bringing elite racing directly to global audiences.
The pinnacle of this era has turned science fiction into reality: in 2018, Eliud Kipchoge set the official world record at 2:01:39, but recently in April at the historic 2026 London Marathon, the mythical sub-two-hour barrier was finally shattered in open competition. This leap in human potential has been quietly propelled by revolutionary super shoes, advanced biometric monitoring, and data-driven training.
Over the years, The National Running Show has evolved into the ultimate community meet-up for runners, drawing some of the biggest and most celebrated names in the sporting world to the NEC in Birmingham.
Since its inception, the event has featured an incredible roster of running royalty, broadcasting legends, and motivational figures including National Running Show speakers like track stars Carl Lewis, Sir Mo Farah, and Linford Christie, alongside distance running greats Laura Muir and Paula Radcliffe. The stage has also been graced by endurance titans like Jasmin Paris MBE, Scott Jurek, Dean Karnazes, Sally McRae (Yellowrunner), Gary Robbins, Tom Evans, Jack Scott, Russ Cook ("The Hardest Geezer"), and fell running legend Nicky Spinks, all masterfully guided by prominent event hosts Susie Chan and Iwan Thomas. Setting the standard for these icons, double Olympic champion Dame Kelly Holmes served as the leading speaker at the very first event in 2018, famously sharing her journey to golden glory.
Acclaimed British ultra-runner, author and Peloton Tread instructor Susie Chan has hosted The National Running Show since its inception in 2018. Reflecting on memorable parts of the event, she said:
"For me, the absolute highlight is always the guests we get to hear from year after year. We welcome everyone from legendary running icons to everyday runners with incredible stories of grit. I don’t like to pick favourites, but I still have to pinch myself when I’m sitting down with Olympic athletes or listening to moving stories of how running has completely changed people's lives."
The 2027 instalment promises to be a spectacular 10-year anniversary celebration, and the headliners announced so far are nothing short of inspiring. Attendees will have the opportunity to hear from elite athlete and distance runner Eilish McColgan, renowned Run Dem Crew founder Charlie Dark, and Paralympic champion Jonnie Peacock. They will be joined by emerging talent Alfie Manthorpe, alongside prominent broadcasting and running enthusiasts Jenni Falconer and Sophie Raworth. With even more names to be announced soon, this milestone anniversary celebration is shaping up to be the most captivating weekend in the 2027 running calendar.
Commenting on preparations for The National Running Show 2027, Portfolio Director, Craig Hanratty said: "We cannot wait to celebrate this major milestone with our community. Runners regularly say 'it takes a village' to reach the finish line, acknowledging the crew, family, and friends who support their journey. That ethos is at the heart of The National Running Show. This flagship event sparked the growth of Raccoon Media Group’s global portfolio, leading to the International Running Expo (IRX), Run Show Dubai, and ISPO.
If a race takes a village, an event of this scale takes a city. Welcoming more than 30,000 visitors is a huge collective effort. We feel a real sense of fulfilment to have built a community where visitors, brands, speakers, and staff all champion one another. The show is packed with positivity and inspiration because it is driven by purpose, and we are so proud to keep nurturing that spirit."
The National Running Show 2027 box office will officially open this September! Marking a significant 10th-anniversary celebration, this special event promises to be the biggest one yet. Runners should keep their eyes glued to the show's digital channels for thrilling announcements dropping soon and prepare to secure their tickets the moment they launch to lock in their place at the celebrations.