The NEC has been chosen by Raccoon Events as the hosts of the inaugural National Running Show, thanks to its location in the heart of the UK and its flexible event space. The launch show will take place from 20-21 January 2018. National Running Show is the first large-scale running expo of its kind in the UK and is designed by runners, for runners. The event will provide all of the kit, advice and support needed to achieve running goals. Whether visitors are part time obstacle course racers or experienced ultra-marathoners, the show will provide everything needed across two packed days.
Maddy Seaman, Owner of Raccoon Events, said: “Whilst marathons host expos, they tend to lack features and speakers and happen within a week of the main event. National Running Show will take place in January, giving runners the opportunity to buy their kit and gain valuable insight early on in their training programme.”
Commenting on the NEC as the venue of choice, she said: “We chose the NEC because of its location in the heart of the UK, which enables visitors from across the country the ability to travel to the venue with ease; whether they choose the travel by road or rail. With the ever increasing popularity of running, we are also expecting National Running Show to grow in size over the years and the NEC can offer us the flexibility to expand across its halls and outdoor space.”
Shows that launch at the NEC grow on average by 33% in year two and 17% in year three and thanks to its 182,000sqm of indoor space, the transition is easy; making it the perfect choice for any launch show.
Jenny Wright, NEC Business Development Executive, said: “We are delighted that the NEC has been chosen as the host for the National Running Show and will work closely with Raccoon Events to deliver a fantastic inaugural event. Birmingham is known as the European Capital of Running and with the inaugural Birmingham International Marathon scheduled for 2017 and the National Running Show set to take place 2018, this position will be cemented and we are excited to be involved.”