The Running Event 2025 RECAP

On December 1st, Polygiene’s Marketing Manager for the Americas, Nick Brosnan, made his way to San Antonio for the 2025 edition of The Running Event. As it’s the USA’s most influential specialty running show, Nick kindly put together this excellent roundup, so Polygiene readers can find out exactly what the event’s all about.

Though launched in 2006, this was my first visit to The Running Event, and from the buzz and excitement on the exhibition floor, it was immediately clear I had been missing out all this time. Affectionately known as TRE by attendees, the show celebrated its inaugural year in San Antonio with its largest event to date. Several Polygiene partners were in attendance, so it was a great opportunity to experience one of the fastest-growing trade shows on the calendar. 

Attracting more than 350 exhibitors and over 5,300 attendees, TRE is the premier specialty running event in the US. Across the floor, big-name brands, up-and-coming contenders, and industry disruptors gathered to showcase their products for the year ahead and present to retail buyers from across the country. While I’m by no means a hardcore runner, I couldn’t help being pulled in and excited for the sheer number of new drops and product unveilings taking place. 

The fact that the 2026 Winter Olympics are just around the corner certainly added to the atmosphere. Adidas, NIKE, and others took the opportunity to display the new footwear being developed for the world’s top athletes, and everyone was keen to get a glimpse of the technology that will help break track records next summer. It wasn’t an entirely indoor event, though. Things kicked off early with a 6:30 am community run, and 200 brave souls headed out on a point-to-point 5 km route along San Antonio streets and the city’s iconic waterway. Switchback also facilitated a fantastic outdoor component for a more diverse event that attracted a wide range of outdoor-focused brands.

For me, the quality of the presentations and seminars was one of the show’s stand-out aspects. Industry-leading figures from Hoka, Brooks, Altra, and Saucony all spoke eloquently and at length on a variety of running topics. My personal favourite explored the ways design and storytelling shape running culture. Emphasizing the importance of knowing your brand’s customers and actively supporting athletes at the community level, the speakers’ message resonated strongly with Polygiene’s own goals. 

As a business, we aim to connect with end-consumers and communicate the many ways Polygiene technology fits into and enhances individuals’ lifestyles. After all, our Freshness technologies keep performance apparel fresher for longer, reduce the need for washing, and save users time. So runners are always ready, comfortable, and confident when they take the streets, tracks, and trails for a reinvigorating run.