25–26 Jan 2025 282 days to go! #RunShow

Event Preview: The National Running Show 2019

The award-winning National Running Show returns to Birmingham’s NEC on 19th– 20th January 2019 and all plans are in place for a thrilling weekend celebration of running.

As the UK’s biggest independent running exhibition, The National Running Show has all the kit, tech, nutrition, advice, inspiration and races that runners need to plan their running season. It is a must-attend event for runners of all abilities and last tickets are now available on the event website.

All those walking through the door at the end of next week will be treated to a glittering line-up of sports brands, retailers, nutrition experts, race organisers, communities and expert speakers. With over 170 brands under one roof, special offers, new launches and limited releases not to be found elsewhere, the show is perfect inspiration at the beginning of the calendar year and a fantastic opportunity to meet like-minded people from across the running community.

After the overwhelming success of the 2018 event, the National Running Show 2019 boasts a huge floor space which will be packed with exhibitors, workshops, talks and more. With so much to see and do, the organisers have listed 5 things not to miss:

Take a seat at the Main Stage

The show features an incredible line-up of speakers including Olympic gold medallists, globetrotting adventurers and endurance runners. A full house is expected as the likes of Paula Radcliffe, Roger Black, Iwan Thomas, Jo Pavey, Susie Chan, Ben Smith, Vassos Alexander, Nell McAndrew, Mara Yamauchi, Steve Edwards, Anita Bean, Brendan Rendall, Rob Pope and Alex Cook thrill the audience with their anecdotes and top tips. See the full speaker programme here.

Visit the interactive feature areas

The interactive feature areas were a huge hit at the 2018 event and once again visitors can look forward to getting active and involved throughout the weekend. 3D Gait Analysis, Foundation Training, The Treatment Room, Podiatry Clinic, The Run Clinic, Running Skills Theatre, The Test Track, Sweat Test Zone, Brilliant Shoe Discovery with SafeSize, Musco-Skeletal Clinic, The Running Bookshop and The Run Café are just some of the specialist areas helping runners to get the most out of their running and perform at their best! Check out the full What’s On schedule here.

Get expert advice

It would be hard to find a more comprehensive range of experts under one roof than at The National Running Show. A specialist Nutrition Advice Zone will advise how to fuel optimally for training and competition. Valuable HIIT and training ideas will be shared at The Treadmill Try-Outs. Injury prevention and recovery will be discussed at The Treatment Room. This is the place to ask all your running questions and get advice from some of the country’s top experts.

Have a 1-to-1 coaching session

For some, this is the chance of a lifetime to chat to their running heroes. The Ask the Experts Zone will have 6 experts available continuously throughout the show and visitors can meet with them for their very own 15-minute, 1-to-1 coaching session. Bookings must be made on the morning of each day and early booking is advisable!

Kit yourself out for the year ahead

With over 170 brands selling their latest gear, including many exciting product launches for 2019, there will be few leaving The National Running Show empty handed. As official retailers for the show, Intersport and Up & Running will have dedicated zones featuring top brands such as ASICS, New Balance, Hilly, Altra, Saucony, Polar and On. There will also be plenty of special offers and friendly staff helping runners choose the kit they need to achieve their goals in 2019.

Mike Seaman, Director of Raccoon Events, commented:We can’t wait to open the doors to The National Running Show in just over one week. We have so much in store, from exhibitors and workshops to speakers and coaching, and it will be amazing to have everyone under one roof for a full weekend of running-related fun and inspiration.”

Partners of The National Running Show 2019 include ASICS, Athletics Weekly, Bad Boy Running, Breathe Unity, Brighton Marathon Weekend, Deaf Hub, Ealing Half Marathon, England Athletics, Intersport, New Balance, Racecheck, Run Mummy Run, Runner’s World, Running Forum, Scimitar, Sierra Leone Marathon, Sports Insight, This Dad Runs, UK Triathlon, UKRunChat, White Star Running and Wild Ginger.

The National Running Show takes place at Birmingham’s NEC from 9am-5pm on Saturday 19th and Sunday 20th January, 2019. Tickets cost £10 and are valid for entry on both days. Tickets will be available on the door, but pre-booking is recommended for faster entry.

Anyone looking for an extra challenge can Run to the Show, a virtual challenge provided by Run Around Europe and awarding a free participation gift to collect at the show.