The Running Event and Running Industry Diversity Coalition Celebrate Four Years of Partnership Focused on Inclusivity and Community Building

October 23, 2024

For the fourth consecutive year, TRE and RIDC collaborate to champion racial diversity, foster inclusivity, and drive meaningful change in the running industry

PORTLAND, Maine (October 23, 2024) /ENDURANCE SPORTSWIRE/ – The Running Event (TRE), North America’s premier run and outdoor specialty retail conference and trade show, is excited to announce the return of the Running Industry Diversity Coalition (RIDC) for their fourth consecutive year as a key partner at TRE. RIDC is an educational nonprofit with a mission to unite the running industry to improve the inclusion, visibility, and access for Black, Indigenous, and People of Color. Through partnerships with brands, race events, retailers, and run clubs, the RIDC is actively leading efforts to increase BIPOC employment and ownership while also helping shift the culture of running. Their presence at TRE will again include a vibrant booth, an educational deep dive session on the future of run specialty, and signature community events for TRE attendees and the Austin community. Additionally, for the third year in a row, TRE and RIDC are proud to collaborate in offering scholarships to BIPOC-owned or managed retail businesses to attend the 2024 event.

Over the past four years, RIDC’s involvement with TRE has transformed not just the event but also the running industry at large. Their commitment to driving inclusivity and fostering thoughtful change has made a noticeable difference at the annual event, challenging TRE to evolve in ways that align with RIDC’s mission and in return, creating ripple effects throughout the industry.

“RIDC has been a driving force in helping us cultivate a more inclusive environment at The Running Event,” said Christina Henderson, Event Director, The Running Event. “Their ongoing partnership has made a profound impact, inspiring meaningful change not only at TRE but within the brands and retailers we serve. As we look ahead to TRE 2024 and beyond, we’re excited to continue this collaboration and advance inclusivity and diversity within our industry and communities.”

At this year’s show, RIDC will present an educational deep dive session titled The Future of Run Specialty from the RIDC Lens: Relevance and Consumer Loyalty. This session will bring together retailers and brands with their community partners to explore how impactful community collaborations can redefine consumer engagement and build long-term trust and loyalty. In addition, RIDC will host their two signature events during TRE 2024: The CommUnity Run, powered by Saucony, and THE COOKOUT. Both events will offer opportunities for networking and collaboration among attendees, exhibitors, and the local Austin community. RIDC will also bring the winner of their inaugural RUN THE BLOCK grant program to TRE. The RIDC’s Executive Director first announced the program at the 2023 TRE Awards.

“The RIDC’s impact on this event and the communities we serve was not mere serendipity but the result of continuous and deliberate effort. The work we put in is because the conference and trade show lacked visibility, inclusion, and access for Black, Indigenous, and People of Color, and this galvanized us, TRE staff, and our member organizations to ramp up the RIDC’s involvement in service of our mission. There is not a moment where we aren’t approached or emailed about the positive visible change happening at TRE over the last four years, and the RIDC will continue pushing to see more change amongst TRE’s attendance, programming, and staff,” said Kiera Smalls, Executive Director, Running Industry Diversity Coalition.

The Running Event 2024 will be held November 19-21 at the Austin Convention Center. For more information about RIDC at TRE 2024, including session details and event schedules, visit TRE’s website.

About The Running Event

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 (Nov. 19-21, 2024, Austin, TX) and the inaugural Switchback Spring (June 16-18, 2025, Nashville, TN). For more information, visit www.therunningevent.com and www.switchbackevent.com.

About the Running Industry Diversity Coalition

At the Running Industry Diversity Coalition, we’re an educational nonprofit with a mission beyond running—we’re dedicated to championing transformative change within the sport. We partner with brands, race events, retailers, and run clubs to ignite unparalleled advancements for Black, Indigenous, and People of Color. The RIDC’s vision is to see and experience a running industry committed to racial justice where Black, Indigenous, and People of Color are welcomed, valued, and amplified. For more information, visit www.runningdiversity.com.

TRE Media Contact: Obviouslee Marketing| Email tre@obviouslee.com
RIDC Media Contact: OutsidePR | Email RIDC@outsidepr.com