The Future of Run Specialty with Athletes, Retailers, and Partners, presented by RIDC at #TRE25
The future of run specialty isn’t just about shoes, gear, or retail spaces. It’s about people, stories, and the connections that move our industry forward.
At this year’s The Running Event (TRE) in San Antonio, the Running Industry Diversity Coalition (RIDC) will lead a powerful session exploring what’s next for the run specialty space. “Deep Dive: The Future of Run Specialty: Athletes, Brands & Retailers in Conversation on Representation, Community & Consumer Loyalty” brings together athletes, brand leaders, and retailers to unpack how representation, community, and consumer loyalty are reshaping the running landscape.
This session will dig into how real progress happens when brands, retailers, and communities come together with purpose — building authentic relationships and fostering meaningful change that lasts.
What to Expect:
Honest dialogue between industry leaders on how equity and representation strengthen both community and business.
Actionable insights on how to connect with today’s runners through trust, inclusion, and shared values.
Opportunities to explore how collaboration can drive innovation across all levels of the industry.
Key Takeaways:
How lived experiences and storytelling create deeper product and community connections.
Concrete ways retailers and brands can collaborate with athletes, run crews, influencers, and community organizations to expand their reach authentically.
Why representation and intentional partnership are business imperatives — not optional add-ons — for the future of run specialty.
Meet the Speakers!
Sanya Richards-Ross
Partner and Professional Athlete Superfeet
Carol & Jesse Holland
President / Co-Owner & Vice President / Co-Owner, Haraka Run & Walk
Erica Edwards O'Neal
New York Road Runners (NYRR), Chief Diversity and People Officer
Andrew Chen
Co-Founder, 3Sixteen
Sông Ánh Thị Nguyễn
VP of Product, Feetures
Joe Gaither
CMO, Feetures
Cornell W. Jones
Founder, Mad Miles Run Club
The future of our industry depends on who’s at the table, whose stories are being told, and how those stories inspire lasting loyalty. Join the RIDC and our partners at The Running Event for this can’t-miss session — where insight meets action, and representation meets results.