FAQs

Who can be nominated for a Running Industry Award?

Anyone, company or organisation working within the business-to-business (B2B) running industry across the UK and Ireland can be nominated, this includes brands, retailers, race organisers, agencies, suppliers, service providers, charities and community initiatives.
Nominations are open to both Running Industry Alliance (RIA) /Triathlon Industry Association (TIA) Members and Non-Members, provided entries meet the relevant criteria.

How do I nominate?

Nominations are open from 30^th June to 18^th August 2025. You can nominate your business or organisation, or someone you believe deserves recognition via the official online nomination form. You may nominate in multiple award categories, where applicable.

Is there a cost to nominate or vote?

No. It is completely free to nominate, be nominated and vote.

What are the award categories?

There are 18 awards across 11 categories in 2025. These include:

Brand of the Year (4 Awards)
Recognising outstanding brands across core product categories:
- Footwear Brand of the Year
  For innovation, design, performance, and impact in running shoes.
- Apparel Brand of the Year
  For excellence in technical clothing, sustainability, and community engagement.
- Accessories Brand of the Year
  For brands excelling in gear such as eyewear, headlamps, hats, socks or safety – elevating the runner experience.
- Nutrition, Hydration and Wellbeing
  Celebrating those supporting the physical and mental wellbeing of runners through innovative products, services, or programmes.
Retailer of the Year (3 Awards)
Honouring retail excellence across all formats – in service, innovation and community:
- Independent Retailer of the Year – independently owned and up to a maximum of 5 stores
- Multi-Site Retailer of the Year – over 6 stores
- Online Retailer of the Year – purely online retailers
Event of the Year (3 Awards)
Celebrating exceptional events that raise the bar in delivery, runner experience, innovation and community value:
- Large-Scale Event of the Year
  For mass participation events (5,000+ runners) excelling in scale, sustainability, and impact.
- Mid-Sized Event of the Year
  For events (1,000–4,999 runners) showcasing standout experience, sustainability and community connection.
- Boutique or Specialist Event of the Year
  For events under 1,000 participants that prioritise accessibility, sustainability, local engagement, and unique experiences.
Community Impact Award – Category Partner ASICS
Recognising individuals or initiatives using running to create meaningful social change, inclusion, and local transformation.
Charity Campaign of the Year – Category Partner Scimitar
Celebrating impactful charity campaigns, initiatives or events that drive awareness, action, fundraising and positive outcomes.
Tech in Running Award
Spotlighting transformative technology that enhances training, racing, and the runner journey – from apps and wearables to digital platforms and tools.
Service or Supplier of the Year
Recognising essential B2B providers – from timing and logistics to merchandise and safety – who keep the industry moving behind the scenes.
Media Voice of the Year
Highlighting powerful storytelling in running – from journalists and broadcasters to podcasters, influencers, and media platforms shaping culture and conversation.
Triathlon & Multisport Excellence Award – Category Partner Triathlon Industry Association
Celebrating innovation and growth across the multisport sector – including triathlon events, brands, and service providers making an impact in crossover spaces.
Agency of the Year
Honouring creative, PR, event or marketing agencies that deliver standout industry campaigns.
Outstanding Contribution to the Industry Award
Recognising an individual or organisation whose long-term service, vision, or leadership has shaped and elevated the running industry.

Can I enter more than one category?

Yes. You can nominate your business, organisation, or others in multiple categories, as long as each entry is relevant and meets the criteria for that specific award.

How does the voting process work?

There are three rounds of public voting:

Round 1: 21st August – 24th September – determines the Top 10
Round 2: 29th September – 13th October – shortlists the Top 3
Round 3: 17th October – 3rd November – public votes for the Winner

Winners are then announced at the Gala Awards Dinner on 9^th December 2025 at Burleigh Court, Loughborough, UK.

Who are the judges?

A diverse panel of industry leaders will support the process during the voting stages to ensure fairness and transparency. Judges are selected to reflect a broad cross-section of the running industry and will help oversee the integrity of the Awards.

How are the winners selected?

Each award winner is decided by public vote in Round 3. The judging panel supports the voting process and helps ensure integrity. The nominee with the most public votes will win the Award.

When and where are the winners announced?

Winners will be announced and presented with their awards at the Gala Awards Dinner on Tuesday 9th December 2025 at Burleigh Court, Loughborough, UK. All winners will also be listed on the website following the event and will be announced by press release and via social media channels.

What time does the Gala Awards Dinner start?

Arrival will be from 18.00, and the evening will officially close by 23.00.

What’s the address of Burleigh Court?

Burleigh Court Conference Centre and Hotel
Off Ashby Road (A512)
Loughborough University (West Park)
Loughborough
Leicestershire
LE11 3GR

How do I attend the Gala Dinner?

Full details on how to purchase individual seats or tables of 10 will be announced in July 2025. If you’d like to register your interest, email the team here.

A number of rooms have been reserved at Burleigh Court for attendees of the Gala Awards Dinner and the accommodation booking options will also be announced in July.

How much will tickets to the Gala Awards Dinner cost?

Ticket prices for individual seats and tables of ten will be released in July.

All tickets include a drinks and networking reception, followed by the awards ceremony and a 3-course meal served at the table. Any specific dietary requirements will be catered for and must be supplied when registering for the ticket.

What is the dress code for the Gala Awards Dinner?

This will be a glitzy and glamorous evening in celebration of the industry, but we’re not here to tell you what to wear. Come as your most fabulous self, whatever makes you feel confident, comfortable, and ready to celebrate.

Who will be presenting the Awards?

Let us keep some bits a secret for now and do look out for lots of exciting updates and announcements over the coming weeks and months! But we can ensure that it is going to be a great evening of running industry celebrations, socialising and networking in fantastic company.

Can I sponsor or partner with the Awards?

Yes. There are opportunities for Category Partners and other forms of strategic involvement. To discuss sponsorship opportunities, email the team here.

Can I nominate the same person or business in more than one category?

Yes, as long as each nomination is tailored to the relevant category criteria. Duplicate nominations in the same category will be consolidated.

Can I vote in all three voting rounds?

Yes. Each round of voting is open to the public, and you’re welcome to cast your vote in all three stages.

Will second or third place be announced?

Yes, second and third placed finalists will be announced at the Gala Awards Dinner and receive a digital award. The Top 3 will also be published on the website. The winner will be called to stage to receive a physical trophy at the Gala Awards Dinner on 9th December.

Can I see the voting results?

While voting determines the winners, specific vote counts will not be published. The Organiser reserves the right to share top-line summaries only.

Will there be accessibility options for nominations and voting?

Yes. The nomination and voting platforms are designed to be accessible. If you need help submitting a nomination, please contact the team here.

How can I report concerns about a nomination’s eligibility or accuracy?

You can report concerns by emailing the Organiser. All nominations will be vetted before public voting, and any entry found to breach the rules, misrepresent their eligibility or not meet the criteria may be disqualified.

Can I attend the Running Industry Awards as part of my ticket for The Running Conference 2025?

No, the Running Industry Awards are a stand-alone event and not part of The Running Conference. Running Industry Alliance (RIA) members and TIA (Triathlon Industry Association) members will however have access to discounted tickets for the Gala Awards Dinner and they will receive further details and how to book tickets.

Running Industry Awards are a partnership between Running Industry Alliance (RIA), RunEvents and England Athletics. Nominations, voting and attendance of the Gala Awards Dinner is open to RIA and TIA members as well as non-members.

Please fill in the membership enquiry form here if you are interested in joining RIA , and fill in the contact form here if you are interested in joining TIA.

I have a question not answered here, who should I contact?

If you have any questions not answered here please email the team here and the team will get back to you asap.