Irish Running Show plans Dublin Weekend for Runners and Brands

The Irish Running Show is scheduled to take place at the RDS in Dublin on 6 and 7 February 2027, inviting runners from across Ireland to a weekend built around the sport. The consumer event aims to unite participants, running brands and support organisations in a single destination catering to everyone from first-time 5K runners to seasoned marathoners.

Following its initial outing in Northern Ireland, the show is now positioning Dublin as its next host city, expanding its reach across the island. Organisers plan to deliver a mix of expert advice, product showcases and interactive activities tailored to a broad spectrum of running interests and abilities.

Event Format and Audience Focus

The Irish Running Show is designed as an open, accessible weekend where both new and experienced runners can explore the wider running ecosystem. The two-day format at the RDS is intended to attract individual runners, clubs and families who are looking to deepen their engagement with the sport.

Programming is expected to address a wide range of experience levels, with content signposted for those taking on a first 5K, as well as runners preparing for half-marathons, full marathons and longer-distance challenges. By framing the show around all stages of the running journey, organisers are positioning it as a hub event for the national running community.

Role of Brand Exhibitor and Organisation Partner

A central element of the Irish Running Show will be the presence of running-related brands and organisations that support participants before, during and after race day. The event intends to bring together footwear and apparel companies, equipment suppliers and associated services under one roof.

Alongside commercial exhibitors, the show is also set to provide space for clubs, event organisers, charities and other running-focused bodies. This combination is aimed at giving visitors direct access to the people and organisations that shape the wider running landscape on the island.

Venue Choice and Regional Reach

The decision to stage the event at the RDS places the show in one of Dublin’s best-known multipurpose venues. Its location and transport links allow the Irish Running Show to draw attendees from both the city itself and from further afield across Ireland.

By inviting runners from across the island, the event team is situating the show as a cross-border meeting point rather than a purely local fair. The Dublin edition follows what organisers describe as a successful debut in Northern Ireland, using that foundation to broaden geographical reach and appeal.

Content Theme and Visitor Experience

The Irish Running Show is being promoted as a weekend of expert advice, hands-on activities and opportunities to discover new products and services. While specific sessions have not been detailed, the focus on expertise suggests that visitors can expect to hear from individuals and organisations with recognised experience in running and training.

Activities are planned to engage a varied audience, whether they are new to structured training or working towards ambitious distance and time goals. The emphasis on inclusivity, from first-time 5K entrants to marathon runners, points to an environment where visitors can compare knowledge, share experiences and discover practical guidance suited to their own level.

Position in Running Event Calendar

Staging the Irish Running Show in early February places the event at a point in the year when many runners are setting goals and training plans. While the organisers have not specified how the dates align with particular races, the timing could make the show a useful stop for those preparing for spring or summer events.

The combination of product showcases, organisational presence and expert-led content has the potential to position the show as a planning touchpoint. For exhibitors and partners, the February schedule offers an opportunity to connect with runners as they shape the year ahead.

Implication for Live Event and Exhibition Sector

The Irish Running Show adds another specialist consumer event to the Irish live event and exhibition market, with a defined focus on running and related lifestyles. Its move to the RDS demonstrates how interest-based shows continue to leverage established venues to reach targeted audiences.

By building on an initial Northern Ireland debut and expanding into Dublin, the event highlights the role of themed exhibitions in connecting communities around specific activities. For event technology providers, production companies and venue stakeholders, the show represents a platform that may call for tailored visitor engagement, live content delivery and exhibitor support solutions aligned with an active, experience-driven audience.

Further details on programming, exhibitor line-up and ticketing have yet to be disclosed, but the core proposition is clear: a dedicated weekend where Ireland’s running community can explore the people, products and organisations that underpin the sport.