The Running Event to Celebrate 20th Anniversary in City
The trade show returns to the Henry B. Gonzalez Convention Center this December with a record number of exhibitors.
Updated on Oct. 29, 2026 in Running
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The Running Event is set to take place in San Antonio from December 1 to December 3, 2026, marking the 20th anniversary of the industry trade show. This year's gathering will feature 400 exhibiting brands at the Henry B. Gonzalez Convention Center.
Why it matters
Organizers restructured room locations and traffic flow to resolve previous attendee feedback regarding navigation and scheduling conflicts. The event also offers new amenities, including a live podcasting space and partnership routes for local exercise.
The show features 400 confirmed exhibiting brands, an increase from the 360 exhibitors present in 2025. This marks the event's 20th anniversary since its inception.
The players
Genae Salinas
Genae Salinas is the new event director for The Running Event trade show.
Footwear News
Footwear News is a trade publication covering the footwear industry that is hosting a panel at the event.
San Antonio Road Runners
San Antonio Road Runners is a local organization that partnered with the show to provide route maps for attendees.
The details
Genae Salinas has taken over as event director to oversee these operational updates and the new, more open Wednesday evening schedule. Attendees can also access a dedicated live podcasting space on the exhibition floor to participate in industry discussions.
Timeline
December 1, 2026: The Running Event begins at the Henry B. Gonzalez Convention Center.
December 3, 2026: The trade show concludes.
December 3, 2026, 1 p.m.: Footwear News hosts a panel in the Training Camp Theater.
Season Trajectory
The 2026 exhibition follows the upward trajectory of industry engagement established by the 2025 Running Event attendance figures. The growth in exhibiting brands signals a stronger competitive market for retail partners heading into the next year.
Attendees can plan their schedules around the new, open Wednesday evening window designed for off-site brand engagement. The improved floor layout provides a more efficient path for visiting the record-high number of 400 exhibitors.
The takeaway
The event expansion highlights a broader trend of retail trade shows prioritizing attendee navigation and scheduling flexibility to maximize engagement. Participants should review the new route maps provided by the San Antonio Road Runners to make the most of their visit to the city.
What happens next
The Footwear News panel regarding non-running shoe wearers is scheduled for 1 p.m. on December 3, 2026, in the Training Camp Theater.
Further reading
For more information on the local running community, visit the Running section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by WWD.
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