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What’s on?
An action-packed programme at IRX
The 2025 edition saw 200+ brands exhibiting on the show floor, but also a range of fun activations, networking events and social activities that attendees took part in.
From stage sessions to yoga, morning runs to the Cool Down Party, the 2025 edition created plenty of moments for attendees to connect and engage with one another.
KNOWLEDGE & TRENDS
The International Running Expo brought together a range of industry experts to shine a light on the latest trends affecting the industry.
Attendees heard from elite athletes, retailers, brands and industry leaders and gained unrivalled insights on how to grow their businesses in 2025 and beyond.
THE PODIUM
The Podium featured fireside chats with elite athletes and cutting-edge trends talks from industry leaders. Sessions included:
A Fireside Chat with Scott Jurek, hosted by Susie Chan
Shaping the Future: Running Industry Trends
No Rules Marketing – Artificially Intelligent or Already Irrelevant?
The Future of Run Specialty: Evolving Roles in a Changing Industry
BrandLAB
by BrandWave
BrandLAB and their VIP guest, Ione Walker, Marketing Manager, SCOTT Sports held a session focused on building better brands. Attendees had the opportunity to ask questions and learn from a world-renowned brand at IRX.
LIVE PODCASTS
At IRX, there were exclusive podcast episodes recorded with industry leaders. These included:
The Marathon Running Podcast: Live with Dean Karnazes
Bad Boy Running Podcast: Live and Unfiltered
EXPERIENCES & BRAND ACTIVATIONS
Before the doors opened to the Expo, there were experiences and activations for attendees to participate in. From trialling the latest products, to training with industry legends like Scott Jurek, attendees had the opportunity to fully immerse themselves in the running world.
A huge thank you to all the brands and attendees who took part in the activations at IRX.
CEP MORNING RUN
CEP kicked off Tuesday morning with a dynamic 5km run through the streets of Amsterdam. Starting with a high energy warm up, athletes were then guided round the streets of the city in the brand new Omnibow Speed Tech Trainers.
AMSTERDAM SCAVENGER RUN
The Wednesday morning started with an exhilarating 8–10k shake out run through Amsterdam’s most iconic landmarks!
Organised by local running crew, Indie Runner, participants received clues to navigate between four must-see highlights. This self-guided adventure offered the perfect blend of fitness and fun, whilst trialling out the latest footwear, apparel and nutrition by our sponsors.
With thanks to our sponsors
WELCOME WARM UP DRILL SESSION
40 athletes joined Coach Arj Thiruchelvam on Tuesday morning for a dynamic drills session focused on explosive movement to help athletes move stronger and smarter.
A fantastic way to prepare for two days at the Expo!
ICE BATH IMMERSION
by Balance Breathing
Balance Breathing offered runners the opportunity to jump into a guided Ice Bath Session. This helped accelerate muscle recovery, reduce inflammation and ignite a powerful mental reset.
Thank you to everyone who took part in the Ice Bath Sessions!
YOGA SESSION
Join John Kraijenbrink, the Running Yogi
John has taught yoga around the world, from India to Nicaragua, Costa Rica, Italy, and Spain before settling back in the Netherlands, where he now shares his practice online. At IRX, he guided a recovery-focused session in the Wellbeing and Recovery Lounge, designed to calm the mind, strengthen the breath, and support the body’s healing process.
BREATHWORK SESSIONS
by Balance Breathing
Attendees participated in Breathwork Sessions guided by Balance Breathing. This was the perfect opportunity to step away from the busy show floor, calm the mind and focus on priming the body for the rest of the day.
Run to Reforest Challenge in partnership
with Active Giving
In partnership with Active Giving, The International Running Expo launched the Run to Reforest Challenge, a collective effort to cover 2,025 kilometres. For every kilometre completed, one tree was planted for the Earth Lungs Reforestation Project in Kenya. Find out more here.
NETWORKING & SOCIALISING
The Running Industry is not just about business, but forms a unique community with people who are passionate about running.
The International Running Expo was designed to give attendees the opportunity to connect in lots of different ways to maximise their experience at the show.
121 PRE-ARRANGED APPOINTMENTS
1-2-1 meetings formed a huge part of IRX with brands meeting buyers across the two days. 96% of meetings that were made, were attended which shows the high engagement from both exhibitors and visitors to IRX.
THE RUN CAFÉ
At the heart of IRX was the Run Cafe, the perfect spot for a coffee, great food, and even better conversation. This vibrant hub allowed attendees time to connect over a coffee in a relaxed setting.
THE WELLBEING AND RECOVERY LOUNGE
Step away from the buzz of the Expo and unwind. From yoga to breath work, the Wellbeing and Recovery Lounge was a space dedicated for rest, recovery and reflection.
VIP LOUNGE
The VIP Lounge offered an exclusive retreat for hosted buyers, athletes, influencers and partners. Utilised for meetings and live podcasts, the VIP Lounge was a buzzing area across both days.
COFFEE & CONNECT
The Coffee & Connect session saw attendees connect and network in the Run Cafe from 10am on the Tuesday morning. The perfect way to break the ice and to get the networking started!
SIP & SOCIAL
The Sip & Social brought together exhibitors, industry professionals, and running enthusiasts for an hour of relaxed conversation and new connections. It was a great opportunity to share insights, celebrate the community, and wind down after a busy day at the show.
The Cool Down Party @ De Hallen sponsored by ISPO
Wow! The Cool Down Party sponsored by ISPO brought the spirit of Oktoberfest to The International Running Expo! Steins were raised, the Bavarian band had everyone dancing, and it was the perfect night to end an incredible first day at IRX.