Nominations Open for the 2025 Running Industry Awards

Celebrating the Best of the UK & Ireland Running Ecosystem - From Brands and Retail to Events, Charity, Community, Tech, Media, and Beyond

Running Industry Alliance (RIA), in collaboration with England Athletics and RunEvents, is thrilled to open nominations for the 2025 Running Industry Awards. This new annual celebration shines a spotlight on the innovative, impactful, and standout players in the business‑to‑business running sector across the UK and Ireland.

The Running Industry Awards are supported by “The Power Zone” Partners including njuko, Orangery and Endurance Zone. Category Partners announced so far include ASICS, Scimitar and Triathlon Industry Association.

How to nominate

Nominations are welcome from RIA / TIA Members and non‑members alike, and the process to nominate is completely free.

Submissions are accepted between 30 June and 18 August 2025 via the official Awards website (www.runningindustryawards.com) – you can nominate in multiple categories, as long as each entry matches the criteria.

Awards

There are 18 awards across 11 categories at the 2025 Running Industry Awards: 


• 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.

Voting process

• Round 1 (Top 10): 21 August - 24 September 2025
• Round 2 (Top 3): 29 September - 13 October 2025
• Round 3 (Final Winner): 17 October - 3 November 2025

A diverse judging panel will oversee the voting process to ensure fairness and transparency, however the final winners are decided by public vote.
Winners will be announced at the Gala Awards Dinner on 9^th December 2025, held at Burleigh Court, Loughborough University.


A diverse judging panel will oversee the voting process to ensure fairness and transparency, however the final winners are decided by public vote.