The Running Event, held last week in Austin, said it drew 200 exhibitors, marking a return after being canceled in 2020 due to the pandemic.

The number of exhibitors was down from the over 260 exhibitors the event, owned by Diversified Communications, reported for its last annual event held in December 2019. At the time, Diversified Communications said the show drew over 2,500 total attendees, a record for the show.

The attendance figures weren’t disclosed for the 2022 event.

The exhibitors included Saucony, Brooks, On and New Balance. The expo, running 14 hours across two days, included New York and Boston Marathon-themed networking pods, training camp theater presentations, an expanded new product showcase, and a sock bar. S

The three-day event also included an expanded conference program, including keynote speakers with three workshops and 11 conference sessions focused on topics for retailers and race directors. For the first time, race director education was produced in partnership with Running USA.

On announced its first-ever Social Impact Partnerships program, Right to Run. Launching early 2022, the Right to Run panel at #TRE21 featured conversations with partners, Ainsley’s Angels, Equity Design, 48 for Change, Achilles Canada, Colour the Trails, and Back on my Feet. The Low Impact Alliance brought together Christian Fyfe, Kristin Carpenter, Ben Cooke, and Caspar Coppetti together for a conversation on sustainability.

Other highlights of the event:

  • Participants worked together in the first-ever #TRE21 Charity Challenge to unlock $20,000 through onsite activities for Austin Angels, Back on My Feet Austin, Running Industry Diversity Coalition, and The Lilith Fund from sponsors Brooks, Hoka, On, and The Running Event.
  • The Indie 5K was held for the first time at Circuit of The Americas, the same track that’s home to the only Formula 1 and MotoGP races in the country. A total of 337 runners competed and Naperville Running Company won the retail team division.
  • The 2021 Best Running Stores celebrated 60 run specialty retailers who go above and beyond for customer service and community, with Charlotte Running Company winning the Store of the Year. Industry awards were given to select retailers by Brooks, Saucony, Skechers, Balega and On.

“The run specialty community was eager to reconnect, and the energy at The Running Event 2021 was palpable,” said Christina Henderson, Executive Director. “This was our 15th edition of The Running Event, and it was a special one. The industry left Austin with a renewed spirit. We can’t wait to see you again in the coming year.”