The Running Event’s Education Program Highlights What’s Next for Run Specialty

September 15, 2026

20th anniversary programming pairs marquee main stage conversations with focused retail learnings and expanded exhibit hall programming

PORTLAND, Maine (September 15, 2026) /OUTDOOR SPORTSWIRE/ — The Running Event (TRE), North America’s premier run specialty retail conference and trade show, today shared new details about its 2026 education program. Educational content will be a key part of the milestone 20th anniversary event, taking place December 1-3 at the Henry B. González Convention Center in San Antonio, Texas. View the 2026 education program here.

Guided by the theme “Celebrating Run Specialty: Now and Tomorrow,” this year’s program is designed to deliver practical, actionable strategies for run specialty retailers and industry leaders. As TRE marks two decades, the 2026 program captures retail best practices, hands-on learning opportunities, and forward-looking perspective on where the industry is headed next. Programming also features curated focus areas for retailers, dynamic main stage moments, and expanded content in the exhibit hall.

For the first time, TRE will organize Day One education programming into five focus areas: Buying & Merchandising, Leadership & Store Operations, Sales & Customer Experience, Marketing & Innovation, and Events & Community. Attendees can build a session lineup around individual business and career goals for an intentional, easy-to-navigate day of learning. Additional session highlights include:

• KPI Kitchen: A Recipe for the KPIs That Actually Matter (Presented by Karnan Associates)
• If AI Can’t See You, Runners Won’t Either: A Guide to AI Visibility for Retailers, Brands & Events (Presented by Blaze Partners)
• Building Loyalty Through Belonging: Lessons from The Rut Mountain Runs (Presented by The Rut Mountain Runs, HOKA, and The North Face)
• Stop Competing, Start Coordinating: A Retailer’s Guide for Building a Stronger Running Community (Presented by Greg Koch, 605 Running Company)

strong>TRE 2026 Education Program Highlights:

Twenty Lessons from Twenty Years of Run Specialty: Moderated by Jim Weber, former CEO of Brooks, a special main stage presentation will feature some of run specialty’s most influential leaders, including Ted Metellus, Chief Event Production Officer and Race Director of New York Road Runners, Parker Karnan, Founder of Karnan Associates, and Betsy Hughes, Co-Owner of Track Shack. Panelists will each reflect on the lessons that have shaped run specialty over the last 20 years.

Disrupting the Course: What’s Next in Running: TRE will close Tuesday’s programming with another special main stage presentation led by voices redefining running and challenging convention across the industry. Moderated by Ashley Mateo of RUNHER, this panel features Scott Maguire, President and COO of On, Tommie Runz, Creator, and more to be announced soon. The conversation will lead attendees into TRE’s Opening Party feeling inspired and equipped to transform the industry together.

Training Camp Theater: Back for another year, the open concept education and networking space will gather industry thought leaders to explore business growth opportunities through the lens of access, inclusion, participation, and trends. Many sessions will be hosted by TRE partner organizations such as Back on My Feet, Bras for Girls, RUNGRL, and UltraSignup. Programming runs throughout Wednesday, December 2 and Thursday, December 3.

“TRE’s education program has always been about giving retailers ideas and inspiration to act on,” said Caitlin Ewing, TRE Sr. Content Manager. “This year’s lineup includes some of the industry’s most influential voices, and their insights and perspectives will set attendees up for a successful event, spark new business ideas, and keep the industry growing and innovating beyond 2026.”

“While two decades of TRE gave us a lot to look back on, the goal is to learn from that past and chart what’s next,” said Genae Salinas, TRE Event Director. “Attendees will go home with real answers to the challenges they’re facing right now and a clearer read on where the industry is headed.”

Program details are available at www.therunningevent.com/education-program. Registration for The Running Event 2026 is now open, with early bird pricing available through September 24. Click here to register.

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About The Running Event
Launched in 2006, The Running Event (TRE) is North America’s premier specialty retail conference and trade show, bringing together thousands of industry professionals to discover the latest in footwear, apparel, gear, and services. With a strong focus on innovation and industry growth, TRE provides forward-thinking conference programming, peer learning opportunities, and dynamic product discovery that help shape the future of run specialty. As the must-attend trade show for the running industry, TRE is committed to fostering innovation, supporting retailers, and driving the industry forward. For more information, visit www.therunningevent.com. Launched in 2006, The Running Event (TRE) is North America’s premier specialty retail conference and trade show, attracting thousands of industry professionals each year who are seeking the latest in footwear, apparel, gear, and services. With numerous opportunities for peer learning, interactive conference programming, and dynamic product demonstrations and discovery, TRE has become the must-attend event for the run and outdoor specialty markets. In 2022, TRE expanded with the launch of Switchback, a dedicated space showcasing outdoor brands. Upcoming dates include Switchback at TRE (December 1-3, 2026, San Antonio, TX) and the Switchback Spring (May 22-24, 2027, New Orleans, LA). For more information, visit www.therunningevent.com and www.switchbackevent.com.

Media Contact: tre@obviouslee.com