RIDC Media & Round Up June 2026
Merrell Is More Than Growing—It's Thriving Under the Leadership of President Janice Tennent (pictured above). We had the pleasure of meeting with Janice last summer, and her advice left a lasting impression. Her leadership is helping drive strong momentum for the brand: according to Footwear News, Merrell reported first-quarter 2026 net sales of $169.7 million, a 12.7% increase from $150.6 million during the same period last year. That follows 8.4% growth in fiscal 2025, when net sales reached $648.9 million, up from $598.4 million the prior year.
Three Runners Land on TIME’s First Sports 100 List. Sub-two-hour marathoner Sabastian Sawe, three-time Olympic champion Faith Kipyegon, and U.S. mile titlist Nikki Hiltz are the track athletes named to the magazine's inaugural ranking of sport's most influential figures.
The Tracksmith Foundation recently partnered with Philadelphia High School for Girls to provide new track and field equipment, helping invest in the next generation of athletes. The initiative also connected students with accomplished runners and leaders, including Erica Stanley-Dottin and LaTavia Thomas, who shared their experiences and encouraged students to pursue their ambitions both on and off the track.
Rochester’s newest run club, 1% Run Club, is here to help more people feel seen, supported, and motivated in their movement journey. What started as a group chat has grown into a space for health, connection, family, entrepreneurship, and belonging—showing the powerful role run clubs can play in making running more accessible and community-centered.
The 2026 Global Runner Survey is now open, giving runners a chance to share their habits, preferences, and experiences. This annual survey helps the running industry better understand its community and shape future events and offerings. As a bonus, participants can enter for a chance to win one of four highly sought-after race registrations.
At 90 years old, Bill Schwarz completed his first full marathon at the Rock ‘n’ Roll San Diego Marathon, proving that running can offer purpose, resilience, and possibility at every stage of life. His story is a powerful reminder that success in the sport is not always defined by pace or finish times, but by the courage to show up, keep moving, and redefine what is possible.
This month, we are celebrating Pride, and what better way to do so than to go for a good race? Check out this list of Pride runs happening across the country, where movement, celebration, and community impact come together.
Lemus-Bromley created the group Free 2 Fly when she was looking for people who, like her, love to run. And like her, they cannot see well enough to run on their own. This group is creating access in the running industry by helping visually impaired runners find their stride.
“Trail running should be a love affair; and, like all love affairs, it doesn’t have to end. You could grow old together.” While trail running can feel intimidating from the outside, Ed Ohlweiler helps break down the myths that often keep people from trying it. Check out “The Joy of Trail Running.”
Group runs can be powerful spaces for connection, motivation, and belonging, but showing up for the first time can come with real anxiety. If you find yourself avoiding group runs or run clubs due to anxiety, here are a few tips to help you gain encouragement to move past your fears.
On’s growth is a clear example of how running brands are becoming more than product companies. They are shaping culture, identity, and the way people connect to movement. From performance innovation to bold storytelling and community-driven brand building, On’s evolution reflects where the industry is headed: toward experiences that resonate both on and off the run.
This guide to Syracuse run clubs offers a helpful snapshot of how many different entry points now exist for people looking to start running, find community, or explore the city on foot. From social miles to more structured group runs, it reinforces an important industry takeaway: the growth of running is being powered by approachable, community-centered spaces that make it easier for more people to join in.