The Running Event 2025 Kicks Off in San Antonio With Strong Momentum

December 3, 2025

TRE celebrates a successful inaugural year in its new home, with more programming and awards to come

PORTLAND, Maine (December 3, 2025) /ENDURANCE SPORTSWIRE/ – The Running Event (TRE), North America’s premier run specialty retail conference and trade show, officially opened yesterday in San Antonio, Texas, marking a highly successful and energizing first year in its new location. Day One welcomed hundreds of specialty retailers for a full day of education and closed with the annual Opening Party. The 2025 exhibit hall features 357 exhibitors across nearly 100,000 square feet, including 124 first-time brands and 60 outdoor-focused Switchback exhibitors.

“We knew our audience would love San Antonio, and this first year here has exceeded all expectations so far,” said Christina Henderson, Event Director of TRE. “The atmosphere, attendance, and enthusiasm have been incredible, and it’s inspiring to see this community come together and embrace a new city with such excitement.”

Exhibit Hall and Registration Highlights

• 357 exhibitors spanning nearly 100,000 sq. ft.
• 124 first-time exhibitors
• 60 Switchback at TRE exhibitors
• Attendees represent all 50 states and 33 countries

The week officially kicked off Tuesday morning with the River Walk Run + Cleanup, offering attendees a scenic morning on San Antonio’s iconic River Walk before contributing to local cleanup efforts at TRE’s newly adopted area near the convention center.

Also on Tuesday, attending retailers had access to a robust conference program featuring 40+ education sessions and nearly 110 speakers, all centered around this year’s theme: Better Together: Uniting the Running Industry. In the evening, attendees, exhibitors, media, and more gathered at the Opening Party, sponsored by HOKA, Darn Tough, and Shopify. Held along the River Walk, the party featured interactive brand moments and plenty of space for the industry to connect and celebrate TRE’s San Antonio debut.

Day Two began this morning with the CommUnity Run, hosted by the Running Industry Diversity Coalition (RIDC). The annual run brought together both the TRE audience and the local San Antonio community for a fun, welcoming start to the day.

The exhibit hall officially opens today, giving attendees their first opportunity to connect with brands, explore new products, and discover trends shaping the year ahead. In addition to the brands’ booths, the exhibit hall also features:

• TRE LIVE and TRE LIVE: On the Go, in partnership with PR Project and FloSports, which will broadcast conversations and event coverage to audiences worldwide
• Training Camp Theater sessions, which will feature timely conversations and panels with athletes, brand leaders, journalists, and more
• Switchback Hour, which will feature a live recording of The Rock Fight podcast

TRE 2025 concludes tomorrow, December 4, with a full slate of programming, beginning with the Indie 5K. For the first time, the race starts and finishes at nearby Hemisfair Park, offering a scenic course past the Tower of the Americas and the Alamodome and a lively expo.

The show floor will remain open for a final day of meetings, discovery, and education, featuring hands-on product demonstrations, networking opportunities, and the latest in specialty retail trends. The week culminates with the Industry Awards Dinner, where the Best Running Store of 2025 will be announced. As always, the dinner will be a fitting conclusion to a week of community, learning, and innovation. To see the full TRE 2025 schedule, click here.

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About The Running Event
Launched in 2006, The Running Event (TRE) is North America’s premier specialty retail conference and trade show, attracting thousands of industry professionals each year who are seeking the latest in footwear, apparel, gear, and services. With numerous opportunities for peer learning, interactive conference programming, and dynamic product demonstrations and discovery, TRE has become the must-attend event for the run and outdoor specialty markets. In 2022, TRE expanded with the launch of Switchback, a dedicated space showcasing outdoor brands. Upcoming dates include Switchback at TRE (Dec. 2-4, 2025, San Antonio, TX) and Switchback Spring (June 16-18, 2026, New Orleans, LA). For more information, visit www.therunningevent.com and www.switchbackevent.com.

Media Contact: tre@obviouslee.com