The Running Event, held from Dec. 3 to 6 at the Austin Convention Center, attracted 2,100 attendees, including 792 owners and buyers of running specialty stores, plus 1,344 exhibitor personnel and other industry professionals. The trade show featured 295 exhibitors, an increase of 18 percent from 250 the year before.
The 2012 show occupied 201,700 sq. ft. of exposition space, a 19 percent increase over 169,057 sq. ft. the year before. This record size makes it the largest running specialty event of its type in the U.S., and one of the 50 fastest-growing trade shows in America, according to the August 2012 issue of Trade Show Executive.
The event featured seminars about increasing store profitability, gait analysis
and footwear prescription, planning events, and the effective use of
social media. The nation's top retalers were recognized and a first-ever
competition was held for products of the year. The event also drew a number of personal appearances by top running stars: Craig Alexander, Jeff Galloway, Ryan Hall, Scott Jurek, Meb Keflezighi, Hal Koerner, Anton Krupicka, and Andy Potts.
“We believe we have the largest gathering of athletic footwear companies of any trade show in the world,” said co-founder Mark Sullivan of Formula4Media, the organizer of the Running Event. “The show is a springboard for new brands, and a place where retailers can see what's new for the coming season, not only from established brands but literally dozens of small entrepreneurial companies that came to Austin with an idea for a new product they hope will revolutionize the sport.”
An award program recognized the TRE-Mendous Product of the Year from among companies that had exhibited for three or more years. Feetures!, Newton, N.C., won for the company's slip-on therapy that helps heal plantar fasciitis.
“The honor of receiving this award validates that we're on the right track with this product, said Hugh Gaither, president of Feetures! “We love this business – helping people lead healthy lifestyles. So winning this award is something very special to all of us.”
At the Running Specialty Hall of Fame luncheon on Dec. 4, presented by the Independent Running Retailer Association, the Shoe of the Year was the New Balance 860 V2, while honors for the Vendor of the Year went to Brooks.
During the 50 Best Stores Awards dinner on Dec. 5, sponsored by Competitor, Oregon-based Fit Right Northwest was named winner of The North Face Never Stop Exploring Award, recognizing the store for its fun and creative programs designed to appeal to recreational and serious runners. Honors at the dinner also went to Fleet Feet Syracuse (N.Y.) as the Store of the Year.
