In its second year, The Boston Run Show (TBRS) took place at the Hynes Convention Center in the heart of Boston, MA, January 27-28. The show’s DNA is based on the popular National Running Show in the UK. Similar to The Running Event (TRE) and Outdoor Retailer (OR), TBRS is a large expo-style event featuring over 120+brands, more than 30 speakers, free interactive workshops, samples, demos, clinics and much more.
Open to the public
Although, TBRS has commonalities with TRE and OR, there are stark differences as well. The main one is that TBRS targets the general public, while the other two shows are geared specifically to those who work in the running/outdoor industry and, therefore, not open to the public.
Ashworth Awards enjoyed mingling with attendees at The Run Show. Photo: Peter Maksimow
At TBRS running enthusiasts and fans of the sport could pay a nominal fee of $10–or secure one of the free early bird tickets available–to attend. Once inside the Convention Center, attendees could browse new products, sample items and even purchase the latest models of footwear and gear at discounted prices. A few of the many brands present included: Marathon Printing, Darn Tough, Adidas, Hydrapak, New Balance, Ashworth Awards, Altra, Craft, Feetures, JAMBAR, Aetrex, Oofos, Puma, KT Tape.
Run Show partner
The Boston Marathon/BAA was the main partner of the show and, true to form, the Convention floor resembled a very large packet pick-up expo before a race. But don’t be discouraged, there was no standing in long, snaking lines and being on one’s feet on the hard concrete floors for hours before an important race. People were free to come and go as they pleased.
Boston Marathon Locker Room at The Run Show. Photo: Peter Maksimow
The presence of the Boston Athletic Association (BAA) and Boston Marathon was vast, highlighted by the “Boston Athletic Association Locker Room,” a large booth featuring the race’s champions’ trophy, giveaways, interactive and educational pieces, panels hosted by BAA, and Boston Marathon race director Dave McGillivray was even spotted browsing the show.
Adaptive athlete panel at The Run Show. Photo: Peter Maksimow
Adaptive athletes
The Boston Marathon and BAA are the gold standard when it comes to the support of adaptive athletes, with their Adaptive Program for Runners. BAA hosted a speaker panel on inclusivity of adaptive athletes, featuring Kyle Robidoux, a visually impaired runner and local Bostonian, and Brian Reynolds, a double amputee who will be returning to complete the Leadville Trail 100 this year.
Engaging sessions at The Run Show. Photo: Peter Maksimow
Engaging speakers
The highlight of the Run Show was definitely the amazing speaker lineup. There were two stages, one featuring trail and ultra content, the second featuring road running. The Trail & Ultra stage was hosted by Brits David Hellard and Jody Raynsford of Bad Boy Running podcast and showcased many familiar trail and ultra runners, including recently-signed Merrell athlete, Coree Woltering, Hoka athlete, two-time Badwater winner, and American coast-to-coast record holder, Pete Kostelnick (42 days, 8 hours, 36 minutes), Triple Crown of 200s record holder, Scott Jenkins, La Sportiva athlete and Barkley Marathons finisher, John Kelly, and the legend himself, Brooks sponsored 7-time Western States 100 winner, your boy, Scott Jurek.
Scott Jurek at The Run Show. Photo: Peter Maksimow
The Marathon & Road stage and was highlighted by Olympic bronze medalist and coach, Tonja Buford-Bailey, former professional soccer player and run streaker, Hellah Sidibe, comedic content creator and self-described “aspiring professional runner,” Laura Green, and the legend himself, 4-time Olympic gold medalist, 8-time World Champion, former world record holder for 200 m and 400 m, Michael Johnson. Johnson just announced that he will be spearheading a new fan-centered, professional track league supported by Winners Alliance.
Michael Johnson at The Run Show. Photo: Peter Maksimow
Run Show 2025
TBRS 2025 will be held at the Boston Convention and Exhibition Center March 1-2, and will again be open to the general public. The host will be coach and podcaster, Kelly Roberts, with special guest speakers Lazarus Lake (aka Gary Cantrell) mastermind of the infamous Barkley Marathons and Big’s Backyard Ultra, and 2018 Boston Marathon Champion and two-time Olympian, Des Linden. Tickets can be secured through their website here.
