National Running Show 2021

National Running Show 2021

New Dates and a Packed Schedule: But Who Should Attend?

We have all been missing running events, outdoor group sports and the option to meet up with likeminded runners. With lockdowns easing, the National Running Show is back. There are two dates:

  • South: 17th to 18th July 2021: Farnborough International
  • Midlands: 22nd to 23rd January 2022: The NEC Birmingham

This page will focus on the summer show. Farnborough is with easy reach of London and the South of England – providing a world-class venue for the expected 60,000 visitors.

Some of you will already know you love this type of event. Others will be new to running, or regular runners that have yet to experience a show. With tickets costing just £10 per day, the main deciding factor is whether to take the time and travel expense to check out the show.

National Running Show: Overview of What to Expect

The National Running show uses a huge exhibition space. If you have been to a major trade conference, you will recognise much of the setup. There are areas with booths, catering zones, and stages for speakers (both seated and standing).

You will find a series of speakers over the weekend. The headliners are Dame BBB and Sir Roger Black. With 25 others already booked, there will be topics for everyone to enjoy. The second stage is the ‘running skills theatre’. Here speakers will give advice and the latest science to help you improve your runs.

Speakers are not the only way you can improve your technique. There is a run clinic, trail running zone, recovery zone and strength zone. You will get to participate in daily events for all levels of experience / fitness at the Events Village too.

Gait analysis, an all-terrain zone, ultra runners’ zone, and ‘pace’ zone all provide specialist information and advice. There is even a Kids Marathon zone for aspiring runners in the younger age groups.

A pleasure for many runners is to browser the sponsors and retail brands. These are not just your ‘high street’ names. You get to check out the latest gear from brands at the cutting edge of running technology, style, and innovation. Examples include the Movement and Running School, Therabody, New Balance and YAMAtune.

Healthy food and drink options are available too. You won’t find junk food at a conference with an audience as healthy as this one.

Speakers: Famous Faces and Not So Famous Fitness Experts

Speakers are not just famous faces. You will find people from science, training, and event management. Here are some examples:

  • Dame Kelly Holmes: Few British runners have as many medals as Kelly, who has Olympic, Commonwealth, World Championship and European Championship medals. Kelly is now an experienced speaker. She is known for her inspirational talks around the world.
  • Roger Black: Few athletes at the highest level have overcome as many setbacks and injuries as Black. He went on to win Olympic, World and Commonwealth medals. He now runs Roger Black fitness and is known on the speaking circuit.
  • Nell McAndrew: You might know her best from the TV. More recently, she has published a book ‘Nell McAndrew’s Guide to Running’. A keen mid-to-long distance runners, McAndrew is committed to encouraging others to get running.

Other speakers include Danny Bent, Susie Chan, Allie Bailey, Anita Bean, Iwan Thomas, Rob Shenton and Jude Palmer.

Wrapping Up: A Great Day Out in the Company of Real Runners

Holiday plans permitting, I hope to spend a day at the National Running Show this year. If nothing else, you get to go home a little more educated and a little more inspired to keep running. You will also get to meet like-minded runners, enjoy the events – and who knows, maybe even work out the kinks in your running technique that could see you improve dramatically.

You can find out more on the official website www.nationalrunningshow.com

(Note: I have no relationship with this show, nor any commercial interest in sending you there – this news style page is my personal opinion only!).

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