They say everything is bigger in Texas — and that was definitely the case late last month as The Running Event 2024 took over the Austin Convention Center with record-setting attendance and, it must be said, as much excitement and activities that could fit into three days of a trade event. Held Nov. 19-21, the final TRE in its long-time home in Austin, TX – the ACC is being torn down and renovated, necessitating a move in 2025 down the road to San Antonio – was certainly one for the record books.
The numbers speak for themselves:
• TRE 2024 welcomed 4872 total verified attendees — a 20 percent increase from 2023.
• For the third consecutive year, the event grew in total attendance by at least 20 percent, from 3200 total attendees in 2022 and just over 4000 in 2023.
• The event showcased 336 brands, including 111 new exhibitors.
• Exhibit space spanned 90,500-square feet, 15 percent larger than the previous year.
“The success of this year’s event demonstrates exactly what makes the run and outdoor industry so special,” says Christina Henderson, TRE event director. “Once again, we saw record-breaking attendance and our largest-ever exhibit hall, which is only a testament to the growth and excitement that is abundant in our industry right now. We’re proud of TRE’s role in that success.”
There were certainly a number of highlights during the three days in Austin, among them:
• Kicking off TRE24 was the third annual Trail Cleanup presented by ASICS. More than 250 attendees got up early to thank Austin for its support of TRE by picking up trash on trails along Lady Bird Lake. More than 600 pounds of garbage was collected and The Running Event donated one dollar for each pound collected to the Trail Conservancy.
• Speaking of getting up early, the annual Running Industry Diversity Coalition Community Run, powered by Saucony, once again brought out retailers and brands alike. The RIDC also sponsored The Cookout on Wednesday night that passionately (and loudly) celebrated diversity and inclusion within the run specialty community.
• A full day of 28 education sessions attracted hundreds of retailers learning about, among many topics, Artificial Intelligence, Exit Strategies, Brand Rep Relationships, Social Media, Apparel in Run Specialty, Defining Store Culture, Female Runner Safety and, of course, Running Insight senior writer Danny Smith’s session on “101 More Ideas to Spark Your Run Specialty Store.”
• The Tuesday Keynote Presentation was given by retail savant Johnny Cupcakes, who shared his story of failure and success, how to build a community at retail and, of course, how to sell T-shirts at a store called Johnny Cupcakes.
• The 2024 Store of the Year was awarded to =PR= Run & Walk. Owners Ray and Cathy Pugsley offered an emotional thank you for the recognition before celebrating with the rest of their staff.
• All of the 2024 Best Running Stores received their plaques amidst a cacophony of cheers and congratulations from the overflow crowd. Special recognition went to the three other finalists for Store of the Year: Up & Running in Dayton, Fleet Feet Fayetteville and A Runner’s Mind.
• Once again TRE Live, hosted by PR Project, offered more than 30 interviews – all streamed live on FloTrack – throughout Wednesday and Thursday.
• The Indie 5K x Cross Champs annual industry race was held on the Sound Running Cross Champs course at Camp Mabry and attracted hundreds of participants.
• Switchback at The Running Event brought together outdoor and trail-focused brands in a special section of the show floor. The outdoor concept goes on its own with the inaugural Switchback Spring in Nashville, TN, June 16-18, 2025, and will once again be an integral part of TRE25 next December.
The Running Event 2025 moves down the road to San Antonio, TX, December 2-4, at the Henry B. Gonzalez Convention Center.
