The first-ever NI Running Show lands at the Eikon in Lisburn on February 7th & 8th 2026, right when runners are shaking off the winter cobwebs and gearing up for a new season. The timing couldn’t be better, it’s that early-year burst of inspiration everyone needs when the legs are heavy, the races are still weeks away, and you’re wondering what possessed you to sign up for a that half/full marathon again.
It’s a weekend that brings together road warriors, trail lovers, endurance junkies, parkrun regulars, and those just finding their stride. Expect to see everyone from seasoned club captains to first-time 5K finishers wandering the aisles. It’s not about speed or ability level, it's about being part of the same mad, brilliant tribe that calls a rainy long run “fun”.
You’ll find leading names like Decathlon, Scimitar, Shokz, Pure Running, Aqua Sun Wellness, and Athletics NI taking part, alongside clubs, coaches, and podcast hosts from across Ireland. Think of it as a one-stop running village, with a bit of craic thrown in.
Everything You Need to Keep Running
The show floor will be bursting with brands covering every corner of the running lifestyle, from shoes and clothing to supplements, tech, and travel. It’s a rare chance to get hands-on with products you’d normally only scroll past.
Retail favourites like Pure Running, Scimitar, Shokz, Decathlon, and Kiprun will all be on site with the latest gear. VJ Shoes will tempt the trail crowd with their legendary grip, while Nuvion Nutrition, Acti-Snack, Altar Nutrition, and Revive Active bring performance fuel that doesn’t taste like cardboard.
It’s not all about what goes on your feet, Active Health, Ulster Independent Clinic, and the Lower Limb Clinic will offer expert advice and tools for recovery and injury prevention. For the adventurous types, Club La Santa, We Run Wild NI, Sports Tours International, and Nomadic will have ideas for turning your next race into a proper adventure.
Whether you’re browsing for the next big thing or just hoping to justify a few impulse buys, this area will be where most runners linger longest, comparing, chatting, and pretending they’re “just looking.”
Workshops and Talks
If your knees are tired but your brain’s still ticking, the Workshops and Talks will be the perfect pit stop. Over two days, some of the biggest names in Irish and international running will take to the stage, including Dr Michael McKillop MBE, parkrun founder Paul Sinton-Hewitt, and Rave Run NI Founder Tracey Atkinson.
Sessions will range from Olympic stories and community running movements to club culture, inclusion, strength, and mindset. You’ll also hear from Belfast Front Runners, CFIT Coaching’s Catherine McLaughlin, and popular podcasts like Any Given Run Day and Idiots Go Running.
These won't dull lectures, they’re open conversations where runners swap lessons, laugh about mistakes, and share what actually works. Expect questions, debate, and plenty of honest chat about the highs, lows, and in-betweens of running life.
Interactive Fun
The NI Running Show isn’t the type of event where you just drift around with a leaflet. The Interactive Fun area will keep things lively all weekend.
The Ice Bath Challenge from Aqua Sun Wellness will sort the brave from the sensible, it’s short, freezing, and guaranteed to attract onlookers with phones ready.
Athletics NI will anchor the Club Pavilion, giving runners a place to chat about clubs across the region, meet committee members, and maybe even sign up. The Tasty Treats Zone will hand out samples of new snacks and drinks from emerging Irish and UK brands, while the Coaches Corner will let you quiz experts about training, strength, and pacing.
The Events Pavilion will be a goldmine for race listings and travel ideas, while Air Ambulance NI and the NI Ambulance Service will offer short sessions on first-aid skills runners might actually need.
And if you’ve brought the kids, the Decathlon Kids Zone will keep them moving with games and mini-challenges while you sneak off for a proper browse.
Why This Matters
The running scene has exploded on the island of Ireland in recent years, bigger clubs, busier parkruns, and road races that sell out faster than Taylor Swift. Until now, there hasn’t been a single weekend where the whole community could gather under one roof.
The NI Running Show changes that. It’s not a hard-sell expo, it’s a community orientated get-together. A celebration of everyone who looks out the window, sees drizzle, and thinks “perfect running weather.”
Regardless of where you are in your running journey, this weekend will have something for you: fresh gear, expert advice, and the unmistakable buzz that comes from being surrounded by people who get it.
Exclusive Run Republic Offer
Early-bird tickets are normally £13, but readers can use the Run Republic link here to grab a ticket for £10 (£11.55 including Eventbrite fee). You can find all the event details, full exhibitor list and the latest speaker updates on the NI Running Show website here