After two dynamic days of connection and collaboration at RAI Amsterdam, the International Running Expo (IRX) 2026 has come to a close, solidifying its place as the definitive European trade platform for the global running industry. Co-located with ISPO on November 4-5, the event united more than 200 global brands – from agile start-ups to legacy names – with elite independent retailers, distributors and tech innovators.
The expanded layout and packed programme for 2026 featured an extensive agenda, showcasing everything from major product launches to expert panels on sustainability, participation and performance insights, highlighting a thriving and highly connected global industry. Across a comprehensive two-day programme, the expo gathered prominent athletes, major brands, and industry leaders.
The main stage, The Podium, sponsored by Sprints Running Supply Co. featured sessions seamlessly blending athlete-focused storytelling with deep technical insights into event production and the retail landscape. High-profile speakers shaped the agenda, highlighted by a fireside chat with legendary US Olympian Allyson Felix and elite insights from Olympic triathlete Alex Yee.
Beyond individual athletic achievements, the two days heavily emphasised the business and community side of running. Executive perspective was driven by Alberto Uncini Manganelli, who analysed what sports teach business about winning, and Paul Mellor, who focused on brand-building strategies.
Major global organisations and running networks - including World Athletics, UTMB, the London Marathon Group, Salomon, SheRACES, Brooks, Friday Night Lights and parkrun - convened to tackle critical industry challenges such as scaling mass participation races, advancing sustainability initiatives, and optimising omni-channel retail strategies.
Sponsored by Precision Fuel & Hydration, a colourful running track at IRX hosted a series of engaging athletic and skill-building sessions, with participants benefitting from specialised training and competitive activities led by experts and sports personalities, including Olympic sprinter Dafne Schippers, Arj Thiruchelvam, and Alex Tricko.
Another primary highlight was the live podcast studio, with top-tier hosts including Marathon Journal’s Letty Lundquist Esq., Ben Kelleher from Running for the Bus, and the team from Up and Running. Podcast guests included high-profile athletes such as Dutch Olympian Dafne Schippers and representatives from leading brands.
The energy continued across the event with the Foot Balance-sponsored Run Cafe, specialist group workshops in the VIP lounge, and a dedicated Wellness & Recovery Zone offering tailored yoga and meditation among other gatherings. Additionally, there were invigorating ice baths for visitors to try.
The activation line-up also boasted unique outdoor experiences - including a silent disco training session and a mystery 5K run curated by GPX artist Runbrandt - alongside the upbeat official after-party at Escape.
Shirry Liram, Event Director of the International Running Expo, said: “We are incredibly grateful for the response to IRX 2026. Expanded floor space allowed us to accommodate the increased demand and welcome a diverse mix of established global brands and emerging start-ups, creating a truly representative gathering for the running community.
The content programme served as the heartbeat of the expo, and we owe thanks to the professional athletes and industry leaders who shared their time to discuss the evolving future of running.
Additionally, our co-location with ISPO this year introduced us to new sectors and broader audiences, providing meaningful new connections for our exhibitors and speakers. We want to thank everyone who contributed to making this year's IRX a success and look forward to 2027!”
Mark your calendars! Organisers have confirmed that the International Running Expo (IRX) will return alongside ISPO from 3-4 November 2027. Driven by strong immediate interest following this year's event, exhibitor opportunities for next year's edition are expected to fill quickly. To ensure your business is part of the B2B running event of 2027, contact our team today.