Every runner has goals for the year ahead, whether that means completing a first 5K, returning to a favourite race, tackling a marathon or setting a new personal best. The National Running Show is the ideal place to begin planning for them.
Taking place at the NEC Birmingham on 30–31 January 2027, the show will bring together runners, leading brands, expert advice and some of the sport’s most inspiring personalities for a landmark 10-year celebration.
Here are 10 reasons to add The National Running Show to your 2027 calendar.
1. Celebrate 10 years of The National Running Show
Over the past decade, The National Running Show has welcomed more than 207,000 visitors and over 550 speakers across 10 shows, while supporting numerous charitable causes.
The anniversary celebrations will include a Hall of Fame recognising speakers from the past decade, a Best of 10 Years gallery and a special entrance featuring memories submitted by the running community. It is a chance to revisit the moments that have shaped the show while looking ahead to its next chapter.
2. Start preparing for the 2027 TCS London Marathon Double
For one year only, the TCS London Marathon will expand into a two-day event on 24–25 April 2027. A record 100,000 participants will take on the marathon across the weekend following more than 1.33 million ballot entries.
The National Running Show takes place approximately 12 weeks before the Double, making it a timely opportunity to seek advice on training, footwear, nutrition, recovery and race-day preparation. Whether you secured a London place or are working towards another spring event, you can leave with practical ideas for the months ahead.
3. Hear from an outstanding speaker line-up
The Inspiration Stage welcomes athletes, broadcasters, coaches and community figures to share their experiences and insights.
The 2027 speaker line-up already includes Olympic champion Keely Hodgkinson, Eilish McColgan, Charlie Dark MBE, Paralympic champion Jonnie Peacock, Jenni Falconer, Alfie Manthorpe, Sophie Raworth, Shakira Akabusi, Lillie Bleasdale, Pippa Woolven and Halima Khan.
Hosts Susie Chan, Iwan Thomas MBE, David Hellard, Jody Raynsford, Holly Stables and Anna Harding will guide conversations across the weekend. Speaker talks and panels are included with show entry and available on a first-come, first-served basis.
4. Take away practical advice from the Running Skills Theatre
The Running Skills Theatre focuses on information runners can put into practice, with expert-led sessions exploring subjects such as technique, pacing, strength, nutrition and recovery.
Visitors can also ask questions following the sessions, helping them find advice that is relevant to their own training. Whether you are working towards your first event or trying to improve an established routine, it is a useful place to learn something new.
5. Explore the world of trail and ultra running
The Trail & Ultra Stage offers conversations with athletes who have taken on demanding off-road races, endurance challenges and multi-day adventures.
Through personal accounts, practical guidance and book signings, visitors can learn more about moving from road to trail, preparing for longer distances and approaching new challenges with confidence. It could provide the encouragement you need to choose a different kind of event in 2027.
6. Find your next challenge in the Events Village
Powered by RaceNation, the Events Village brings race organisers and runners together. Visitors can explore events across a wide range of distances, locations and terrains, speak directly to Race Directors and find a challenge that suits their ambitions.
From local 5Ks and half marathons to trail races and ultras, it is a useful place to turn the motivation gained at the show into a date on the calendar.
7. Meet more than 200 running brands
More than 200 exhibitors will showcase products and services across footwear, apparel, nutrition, technology, recovery and events.
Visitors can compare products, speak directly to brand experts, discover emerging names and access offers created specifically for the show. Free trainer fitting and gait analysis will also help runners make more informed choices before increasing their training.
8. Introduce younger visitors to running
The Kids Zone gives children aged four to 11 a welcoming introduction to running, jumping and throwing.
Through fun activities designed to develop fundamental movement skills, younger visitors can get active and build confidence while discovering a positive relationship with sport. With children under 16 able to attend free with an adult, the show can be enjoyed by the whole family.
9. Connect with the wider running community
The National Running Show welcomes runners of different backgrounds, experiences, abilities and ambitions.
Show ambassadors and inclusive running communities will be present throughout the weekend, giving visitors opportunities to meet new people and discover groups they could join after the event. Whether you arrive with a club, a friend or by yourself, there will be plenty of ways to get involved in the conversation.
10. Begin your running year with fresh motivation
The National Running Show is designed to help visitors make progress, whatever running currently looks like for them.
Across two days, you can hear honest experiences, ask experts questions, explore new products, meet fellow runners and plan future challenges. Add the show’s 10-year celebrations and the build-up to an exceptional year for UK running, and the 2027 edition promises to be a memorable way to start the season.
The National Running Show takes place from 9am to 5pm on Saturday 30 and Sunday 31 January 2027 at the NEC Birmingham.
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*The full agenda will be published closer to the event.