Running Industry Alliance (RIA) Podcast

Series 3: Entrepreneurial Journeys

🎙️ Episode 2 | How Oonagh’s journey shaped Running Shows Ireland and the Irish Running Show
🎙️ Hosted by Matt Ward

In the second episode of Series 3: Entrepreneurial Journeys on the RIA Podcast powered by Supersonic, host Matt sits down with Oonagh, Founder and Event Director of Running Shows Ireland, to explore the entrepreneurial story behind the Irish event for runners of all abilities and anyone interested in health and fitness.  

Following the successful launch of NI Running Show in February 2026, the Irish Running Show will take place at RDS Dublin on 6th and 7th February 2027, bringing together the running community from all of Ireland. 

Matt and Oonagh talk about Oonagh’s background, how her journey started in exhibitions in London back in 2006 before returning home to Northern Ireland, and how running helped her find balance between work and family and was an overall saviour. As the secretary of her local running club and many years after starting with Couch to 5K, Oonagh leads a lifestyle where she is living and breathing running and says that running was her saviour.

Listeners learn about how wearing the two hats of exhibition organiser throughout her whole career and being a runner have led to setting up Running Shows Ireland, as well as the wins, challenges and breakthrough moments that Oonagh experienced in the process.  

Oonagh also talks about the history of the event from the inaugural event in Belfast, the creation of the platform where Irish runners can come together to learn, shop, have fun and meet to enjoy the space that is running, plus the opportunities for brands and partners.

Learn more about Running Shows Ireland 

• View Running Shows Ireland Running Industry Alliance Member Profile HERE
• Visit Running Shows Ireland website HERE
• Get in touch with Oonagh and the team HERE 
• Email Oonagh directly at [email protected] and connect via LinkedIn
• Irish Running Show takes place at RDS Dublin on 6th and 7th February 2027
• Running Shows Ireland is the umbrella name for their two events: NI Running Show and Irish Running Show

There is a direct link to the podcast on the Running Industry Alliance (RIA) website also.

Thank you for listening, subscribe to be first to hear the latest episode drops!

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About the Running Industry Alliance (RIA) Podcast powered by Supersonic

The RIA Podcast powered by Supersonic brings together the people shaping the future of the running industry through conversations that inform, inspire and connect.

Hosted by Matt Ward, Series 3: Entrepreneurial Journeys shines a spotlight on founders, innovators and business leaders who are building successful organisations across the running, endurance sport and active lifestyle sectors.

Through honest conversations, guests share the realities of entrepreneurship: the breakthroughs, setbacks, lessons learned and mindset required to turn ideas into thriving businesses.

Whether you're launching a new venture, leading an established organisation or simply passionate about business and innovation, this series offers practical insights from those who have lived the entrepreneurial journey.

If you enjoyed this episode, please follow the RIA Podcast powered by Supersonic, leave a review on your favourite podcast platform and share it with someone in the running industry who would find it valuable.

We'll see you next time for another inspiring conversation on Entrepreneurial Journeys.

Series 3: Entrepreneurial Journeys – Real stories. Real leaders. Real honesty.

🎙️ Episode 1 | Building GiveWheel – How Ollie Turned a Vision into One of the UK’s Fastest Growing Fundraising Platforms
🎙️ Hosted by Matt Ward | Listen on: Apple | Spotify | Amazon

In the opening episode of Series 3: Entrepreneurial Journeys on the RIA Podcast powered by Supersonic, host Matt sits down with Ollie, Co-Founder of GiveWheel, to explore the entrepreneurial story behind one of the UK’s most innovative multi-charity fundraising platforms.

Redefining fundraising as an experience through innovative fundraiser tools, GiveWheel has rapidly become a trusted partner for charities, event organisers, companies and fundraisers across the UK.

From identifying an opportunity within multi-charity fundraising to building a platform that is enabling new fundraising models across the sector, Ollie shares the honest story behind GiveWheel’s growth.

Together, Matt and Ollie discuss the realities of launching a business in a crowded marketplace, overcoming rejection and obstacles, winning credibility, listening to customers and continually evolving the product to deliver greater impact for charities and fundraisers alike, and the importance of enjoying the journey.

This episode is packed with practical lessons for founders, entrepreneurs, business leaders and anyone passionate about innovation, purpose-led businesses and making a meaningful difference.

Listen on: Apple | Spotify | Amazon

There is a direct link to the podcast on the Running Industry Alliance (RIA) website also.

Thank you for listening, subscribe to be first to hear the latest episode drops!

Learn more about GiveWheel:

• View GiveWheel’s Running Industry Alliance Member Profile HERE
• Visit GiveWheel’s website HERE 
• Get in touch with the GiveWheel founders Ollie and Charlie

About the Running Industry Alliance (RIA) Podcast powered by Supersonic:

The RIA Podcast powered by Supersonic brings together the people shaping the future of the running industry through conversations that inform, inspire and connect.

Hosted by Matt Ward, Series 3: Entrepreneurial Journeys shines a spotlight on founders, innovators and business leaders who are building successful organisations across the running, endurance sport and active lifestyle sectors.

Through honest conversations, guests share the realities of entrepreneurship: the breakthroughs, setbacks, lessons learned and mindset required to turn ideas into thriving businesses.

Whether you’re launching a new venture, leading an established organisation or simply passionate about business and innovation, this series offers practical insights from those who have lived the entrepreneurial journey.

If you enjoyed this episode, please follow the RIA Podcast powered by Supersonic, leave a review on your favourite podcast platform and share it with someone in the running industry who would find it valuable.

We’ll see you next time for another inspiring conversation on Entrepreneurial Journeys.

Thank you for listening, subscribe to be first to hear the latest episode drops!

🎙️ Episode 23 – World of Triathlon LIVE powered by TriDot | Set to Unite the Multisport Industry at ExceL London with Stuart Walker, Founder and Event Director 

🎙️ Hosted by Matt Ward (Supersonic) 

In this episode, we sit down with Stuart to talk about how it is a collective effort to get more people into doing triathlon, and what inspired Stuart to sign up for his first triathlon and learn to swim when he was 41. We also find out about his background in the exhibition space and what led him to put together the UK’s only dedicated multipart exhibition.

World of Triathlon LIVE powered by TriDot will bring together the entire multisport community on 28-29 March 2026. Designed as the ultimate destination for everyone from newcomers to elite athletes, the event offers an exciting platform for brands to connect directly with a passionate and curious audience, creating the largest triathlon brand activation and retail experience in the country.

We dive into:

• The volume of people in the UK doing triathlons already 
• The perceived barriers of entry 
• The goal of getting 10,000 people to the show, including swimmers, cyclists and runners 
• Stuart’s vision for the next few years 
• How to get involved and be there in March 

Join the Industry at ExceL London & get in touch now! 

World of Triathlon LIVE powered by TriDot takes place 28–29 March 2026 at ExceL London.

For exhibitor and partnership enquiries please contact [email protected]

For updates and visitor registration, visit www.worldoftriathlonlive.com

🎧 Tune in now on all major podcast platforms including Apple, Spotify, Amazon and more

🗓️ Mention of The Running Conference presented by haku (save the date for 2026: 6th to 8th December) and the role of Running Industry Alliance (RIA) and Triathlon Industry Alliance (TIA)

There is a direct link to the podcast on Running Industry Alliance (RIA) website also. 

Thank you for listening, subscribe to be first to hear the latest episode drops!

Running Industry Alliance Podcast  

Episode 22 🎙️ adidas | Performance, Purpose & Progress with Chris Walsh, VP Brand - North Europe adidas - hosted by Matt Ward / Supersonic & Phil Benton / Running Industry Alliance (RIA).

In this episode, we sit down with Chris Walsh to explore how adidas continue to shape the running landscape - blending performance innovation, purpose-driven action, and a future-focused mindset.

We dive into 👇
 🏃‍♂️ The evolution of adidas in running with a discussion about product development, partnerships, events and athletes 
 🌍 Sustainability, culture & community impact
 🤝 Collaboration and connection across the industry
 🚀 Leadership, innovation & what’s next for the brand

A brilliant, forward-thinking conversation with one of the biggest names in sport - and a must-listen for anyone working in or inspired by the running industry.

🎧 Tune in now on all major podcast platforms including: Apple | Spotify | Amazon or search for Running Industry Alliance Podcast

🗓️ Mention of The Running Conference presented by haku (7th to 9th December) and the role of Running Industry Alliance (RIA) 

🎙️ In this episode of the Running Industry Alliance Podcast, we’re diving into Global Running Culture 2025 – a first-of-its-kind collaboration between research and creative agency Redtorch and Running Industry Alliance (RIA).

Host Matt Ward is joined by Rebecca (Becs) Richardson (RIA CEO & Co-Founder) alongside Jonny Murch (CEO, Redtorch) and Karishma Riar (Head of Research & Insights, Redtorch) for a fascinating conversation on how running culture is evolving worldwide.

Together, we explore:
🌍 How cultural forces like social media, influencers, and innovation are reshaping running.
📊 Why some markets are brand-led while others are product-led.
👟 Key global themes including women-led running growth, creator-as-coach influence, and the rise of run clubs.
🇬🇧 Exclusive insights into the UK running scene – from parkrun to charity-driven content.
💡 How these findings can help brands, retailers, and event organisers make smarter, future-facing decisions.

This episode also lifts the lid on the collaboration between RIA and Redtorch, the unique methodology behind the report, and why data and cultural insight are central to the future of the industry.

🎧 Listen now and discover how the global state of running is changing – and what it means for your business.

📥 And you can download the full Global Running Culture 2025 report for FREE here: https://redtorch.sport/sport_on_social/global-running-culture-2025/

🗓️ Mention of The Running Conference presented by haku (7th to 9th December) and the role of Running Industry Alliance (RIA) in connecting brands, events, retailers, communities, charities, services, supplier and more.

There is a link on the homepage of the RIA website and the podcast is also available to listen to on all the major the platforms including:

Apple | Spotify | Amazon

Thank you for listening, subscribe to be first to hear the latest episode drops! 

Episode 20 – Running Industry Alliance Podcast with James Shipley (ATW Events) 

Episode Overview

In Episode 20, Matt and Tom delve into the huge and consistent rise in demand for endurance events with James Shipley from ATW Events - responsible for over 100 multisport events annually. James shares ATW’s origin in 2011 as a passion project from long-distance racing & nutrition, evolving into one of the UK’s largest event portfolios.

The Event Boom

• James highlights record-breaking performance: May entries up 54.7% YoY, the best sales month since 2011 and without launching new events.
• Strong growth seen across Running and Triathlon events, including for example St Albans Half Marathon where registrations are +14%.
• Contributing factors are discussed including community, wellbeing, belonging, experiential features (course music, entertainment and event villages), post-pandemic mindset shift and focus on inclusivity.

Further discussion points include on-the-ground work, insights and looking ahead at what is next for ATW Events and the industry.  RIA Alliance Advisory Board & industry collaboration and closing thoughts round off this great and insightful episode. LISTEN NOW!

Key Takeaways

• Community, storytelling & experience over competition.
• Seamless participant journey, personal content and engaging atmospheres proves to drive growth.
• Collaboration via Running Industry Alliance fosters industry resilience, shared learning, connections & innovation.
• Data-driven formats power future growth.

🗓️ Mention of The Running Conference (7th to 9th December) and the role of Running Industry Alliance (RIA) in connecting brands, events, retailers, communities and more.

There is a link on the homepage of the website and the podcast is also available to listen to on all the major the platforms including:

Apple | Spotify | Amazon

Thank you for listening, subscribe to be first to hear the latest episode drops! 

In this episode of the RIA Podcast, we dive into the world of Retail, Brand and RIA! 

Pro:Direct with Katie, shares valuable insights from one of the UK’s leading premium online sports retailers. Co-hosted with Matt and Phil. 

With a rich heritage dating back to 1981 and a pioneering online presence since 1998, Pro:Direct has evolved alongside the industry - offering a specialist approach to running and an athlete-focused mindset that drives performance, innovation, and growth.

Key topics include:

• The running boom and what it means from a retail lens
• Working closely with brands - navigating forecasting, sustainability and direct to consumer (D2C) shifts
• Running product cycles and a look at how Pro:Direct supports development of product with the running brands, successful launches and other innovations coming in the future! 
• Growing the running community through Pro:Direct Running Club, loyalty programs, money-can't-buy opportunities and education
• Pro:Direct being one of the first to move to own imagery and content rather than brand issue - a bold move at the time
• Collaboration over competition - why honest brand relationships and discussions matter now more than ever also with fellow retailers in the same space 
• Katie’s perspective on where retail is headed and how being dynamic, fast paced and consumer-led is key
• From warehouse to consumer - how 7-day fulfilment offering and custom content make a difference
• And finally, Katie’s thoughts on how RIA brings the industry together, fosters real collaboration and helps shape the future of running across every vertical

🎧 Tune in for a deep dive into the business of running from the retail front line.

🗓️ Mention of The Running Conference (7th to 9th December) and the role of Running Industry Alliance (RIA) in connecting brands, events, retailers, communities and more.

There is a link on the homepage of the website and the podcast is also available to listen to on all the major the platforms including:

Apple | Spotify | Amazon

Thank you for listening, subscribe to be first to hear the latest episode drops! 

Running Industry Alliance Podcast in association with supersonic – Episode #18 featuring Andrew Smith now live!

Matt and Tom are in conversation with Andrew Smith, CEO at A.S.O. UK.

In this episode, we are joined by Andrew Smith, CEO of A.S.O. UK, to talk about his fascinating journey from early beginnings in event operations to leading some of the UK’s biggest and most ambitious mass participation events. From “tea boy to CEO” (his words!), Andrew shares how early roles shaped his passion for operational excellence from managing finish lines to launching cycling events and new half marathons with purpose.

We explore the evolution of the adidas Manchester Marathon and what it takes to develop world-class events that leave a lasting legacy in their host cities.

Andrew lifts the curtain on plans to future-proof Manchester’s Marathon, create further extraordinary runner experiences, and grow the event into a weekend-long festival style celebration of running, community, and positive impact.

Looking ahead, Andrew shares exclusive insight into A.S.O. UK’s latest project collaboration – the newly announced ASICS LDNX 10K event – bringing a new kind of running experience to London this summer at the spectacular Wembley Stadium.

We talk growth, innovation, sustainability, and how A.S.O.’s DNA of creating emotion-led events is driving a bold future for running in the UK and beyond.

A brilliant conversation for anyone working in or passionate about the running industry and in particular events and mass participation. This episode is packed with lessons in leadership, creativity, and why there should be no limits to what running events can achieve and by working together.

A plethora of firsts are discussed, this is another great episode in the RIA Podcast and Members journey, one not to miss!

There is a link on the homepage of the website and the podcast is also available to listen to on all the major the platforms including:

Apple | Spotify | Amazon

Hosts & Guest:

• HOST & ANCHOR: Matt Ward LINKEDIN
• HOST: Tom Kerry LINKEDIN
• GUEST: Andrew Smith LINKEDIN

Useful links:

• A.S.O. UK : WEBSITE
• Running Industry Alliance WEBSITE
• Running Industry Alliance ON INSTAGRAM
• Running Industry Alliance ON FACEBOOK
• Running Industry Alliance ON X
• Running Industry Alliance ON YOUTUBE
• The Running Conference presented by haku #TRC25 WEBSITE

Thank you for listening, subscribe to be first to hear the latest episode drops! 

Matt and Tom are in conversation with David Bone, Running Coach and Race Director at Camino Ultra. 

In this episode you learn more about Camino and how it’s all about inclusivity, how Camino came about, the importance of local based events and communities, and the power of being local with their strong East London roots. 

David talks about his journey in ultra running and how, in addition to the established events, Camino Ultra has built something that could take the community side of events to the next level with the new London 100 taking place in May 2025. We also hear about David’s running plans for the summer, why he thinks it’s an exciting time for brands with ultra running being a lot more accessible, and why we need to think about the other side of the narrative and sustainability. 

Thank you for listening and do subscribe to be the first to hear about future episodes, and to join us on this journey for a deeper insight into the running industry.

There is a link on the homepage of the website and the podcast is also available to listen to on all the major the platforms including:

Apple | Spotify | Amazon

 Hosts & Guest:

• HOST & ANCHOR: Matt Ward LINKEDIN
• HOST: Tom Kerry LINKEDIN
• GUEST: David Bone LINKEDIN

Useful links:

• Camino Ultra : WEBSITE 
• Running Industry Alliance WEBSITE
• Running Industry Alliance ON INSTAGRAM
• Running Industry Alliance ON FACEBOOK
• Running Industry Alliance ON X
• Running Industry Alliance ON YOUTUBE
• The Running Conference presented by haku #TRC25 WEBSITE

Episode 16 of the Running Industry Alliance Podcast in association with supersonic features a wrap up from The Running Conference 2024 presented by haku, catching some of the energy and buzz from the floor.

This episode includes sound bites from:

• Becs Richardson, Running Industry Alliance & The Running Conference
• Jackie Levi, haku
• David Allen, Zen Running Club
• Nicola Fitzmaurice, Revive Active
• Tiffany K Martin, RIA Host / Elevated Health And Community
• Simon Freeman, Like The Wind

You can watch the  TRC24 wrap-up video (thank you to our Filming Partner Commuter Films!) and save the date for The Running Conference 2025 presented by haku >>> 7th to 9th December 2025! More details will be announced about TRC25 very soon.

Thank you for listening and do subscribe to be the first to hear about future episodes, and to join us on this journey for a deeper insight into the running industry.

There is a link on the homepage of the website and the podcast is also available to listen to on all the major the platforms including:

Apple | Spotify | Amazon

Hosts & Guest:

• HOST & ANCHOR: Matt Ward LINKEDIN

Useful links:

• The Running Conference presented by haku WEBSITE
• Running Industry Alliance WEBSITE
• Running Industry Alliance ON INSTAGRAM
• Running Industry Alliance ON X
• Running Industry Alliance ON FACEBOOK
• Running Industry Alliance ON YOUTUBE