IRX 2025: Paving the way as a firm staple on the running industry calendar.
The countdown is on. In only a few months, on 4-5th November, The International Running Expo (IRX) will witness thousands of global retailers, buyers, industry leaders and influencers headed for RAI Amsterdam for two impactful days of business, networking and entertainment.
The new B2B running Expo, designed to ignite connections, conversations and commercial collaborations, is the latest extension to the portfolio of Raccoon Media Group. An established company already renowned in the events industry, with a pedigree of delivering global, award- winning running exhibitions, attended by tens of thousands of visitors.
Paving the way as a firm staple on the running industry calendar, the inaugural IRX has attracted hundreds of global brands from Australia, China, Canada and the U.S., plus multiple European countries. The exhibitor line-up includes a thrilling mixture of new market entrants alongside established businesses looking to make new ground and have meaningful discussions.
Among those in attendance will be software company Ochy, demonstrating their AI-powered biomechanics platform, which gives users access to lab-quality gait analysis. CEP will present their newly launched running shoe, the Pro Run Omnispeed BowTech™ and German-based True Motion, who are developing revolutionary running shoes will be showcasing their new ‘Solo 2’ shoe, due to be launched this November.
One of the major brands taking part in the Hosted Buyer Programme at IRX is Decathlon. Speaking about the event Oliver Rawlings, Marketplace Manager comments: “In-person interactions remain incredibly valuable, they allow for deeper conversations, the chance to physically assess products, and help build trust-based relationships that digital channels can’t always replicate. Therefore, tradeshows like IRX are a fundamental part of our buying process. ”
If you are a multiple retailer, there is still time to join the IRX Hosted Buyer Programme, which is for senior retail & e-commerce decision makers looking to connect with leading brands and uncover the latest innovations. For more information contact Sophie Ferrier.
There are a multitude of immersive experiences, sessions and activations for guests to learn about industry trends, plus network in active and casual settings, they include:
- The Podium – featuring fireside chats between elite athletes such as Susie Chan and Scott Jurek. Plus, live podcasts – Borderlands, The Marathon Running Podcast and Bad Boy Running Podcast will record exclusive, live episodes including interviews with running legends Dean Karnazes and Dylan Bowman
- BrandLAB by BrandWave – thought-provoking sessions on branding and communities
- A CEP morning run, an energising start to the day
- A ‘scavenger hunt’ organised by local Amsterdam run club ‘Running Junkies’
- Ice bath immersion and Breathwork sessions by Balance Breathing to energise and then recover from activities
- The ‘Cool Down Party’ – the party everyone will be talking about! Including a live DJ, drinks and an atmosphere built for letting off steam.
Among the athletes and influencers joining the Expo are household sporting names such as Paula Radcliffe, Colin Jackson MBE, Iwan Thomas, Jamie Baulch and Tom Bosworth, plus many more. As well as industry specific global press and media.
There are still limited opportunities for businesses to get involved and join the 300+ international brands attending the European first running business event.