The Running Event in Austin, TX

Portland, ME, October 24, 2019 – Due to the increase of interest and submissions, The Running Event has extended its deadline for The Big Pitch to Friday, November 8, 2019. The Big Pitch is the Shark Tank-like competition presented by Brooks and taking place during the 14th annual Running Event in Austin from December 3-5, 2019. The Big Pitch is open to stores with sales of less than $2 million annually and provides the opportunity to win up to $5,000 for presenting a winning idea to some of the best in the running business. The challenge: develop and share a campaign that would attract younger customers to their stores.

The Running Event is North America’s largest running specialty trade show, hosting 260 exhibitors and over 2,500 total attendees. The newly adjusted three-day event is comprised of breakout conference sessions for both retailers and race directors, two days of exhibitions, demos and more. 

“One of our favorite new components to this year’s show is The Big Pitch, which will award a retailer for a fantastic idea for driving new, younger runners into their stores. Presenting this event gives us the chance to further engage with and support specialty retail, and we’re looking forward to hearing some amazing pitches.”

To submit, use the form on The Running Event’s website and in 350 words (or less), present a high-level idea on how your store would use $5,000 for a promotional campaign to drive new consumers to your store. The Running Event will reach out to the three finalists with next steps for presenting the idea in more detail at The Running Event on the keynote stage on Tuesday, December 2. Finalists will get five minutes to present their idea and then answer questions from the panel of sponsoring judges from Brooks, Balega, Body Glide and amphipod. 

The Big Pitch will also distribute prize money to second and third place winners. Learn more about The Big Pitch submission and process by visiting therunningevent.com/the-big-pitch/