NEC hosts National Running Show
The NEC hosted the National Running Show, making it Racoon Media Group 's most successful event in its history.
The National Running Show, which was held on 21 and 22 January at the NEC Birmingham, saw exhibitor and sponsorship revenue increase by 38 per cent this year (30 per cent increase on pre-covid figures) and the largest visitor audience it has ever attracted.
The fifth edition of the National Running Show, saw the event firmly back on track with 26,158 runners gathering to find motivation, products and training advice. Initial survey responses indicate that the 273 exhibiting companies will collectively benefit from over £14 million spent by visitors as a result of the event.
The show featured some incredible speakers who came to motivate and inspire runners including the fastest British woman in history Dina Asher-Smith, Scottish Olympian Eilish McColgan and legendary hurdlers Colin Jackson CBE and Kriss Akabusi MBE.
Nathalie Davies, portfolio director at Raccoon Media Group said “We couldn 't have hoped for a better event to kick off to the year. It felt like the running community was back to full strength and there was an incredible buzz in the air.
“The aisles were full and exhibitors were rushing to get more stock overnight to satisfy demand. Given the current economic climate, we 're proud that this event has given a much-needed boost to some companies who have struggled to find new customers over the past year ”.
Raccoon 's mission to be zero-carbon by 2025 was also a focus at the show with visitors and exhibitors heavily encouraged to consider the environment with their attendance. As a result, the average carbon footprint per visitor has been reduced by over 30 per cent year on year from 23kg to 16kg CO2e
Working with Earth Runs (an organisation that encourages people to get active by rewarding them by planting trees), the National Running Show has planted 5,000 trees to support 1.5 million mammals, reptiles, birds and amphibians with a legacy of over 75 years. Once fully grown the carbon offset is expected to offset 55 tonnes of CO2e per year.
£8,781 was also raised for official charity Birmingham Children 's Hospital through a combination of initiatives including Raccoon team sponsored runs and visitor donations.
Each day the show was opened by a family that had been treated and supported by the hospital, who 's charity division also had a stand at the event to raise awareness and grow their community of fundraisers.
A large number of leading sports brands and partners have already signed up for the 2024 event to be held 20-21 January at the NEC Birmingham, where headline speakers will include Dame Kelly Holmes, David Weir CBE, Jamie Baulch, Vassos Alexander, Adrienne London and Elsey Davis. More details available through here.