Attend Switchback at TRE

Switchback at The Running Event

December 2-4, 2025 | Henry B. Gonzalez Convention Center | San Antonio, TX

Switchback at The Running Event (TRE) delivers an elevated onsite experience where outdoor specialty retailers can source products, develop meaningful peer relationships, and gain industry insights to stay ahead of trends and better serve customers.

Launched in 2006, The Running Event (TRE) is North America’s largest run specialty trade show, offering three days of networking, education, business, and celebration to running retailers from across the US.

In 2022 The Running Event, in response to growing crossover of the outdoor and running markets, launched Switchback at TRE as an outdoor specialty showcase. Expanding both the exhibit hall and educational offerings, TRE 2022 invited outdoor retailers and brands to create a new space for the outdoor industry to gather and grow.

Back for a fourth year this December 2-4 in San Antonio, TX, Switchback at The Running Event 2025 will be a one-stop opportunity to connect with industry peers, access top run and outdoor brands under one roof, and gain valuable, actionable education to advance your business.

Below is a recap of some of the education and networking events that took place at Switchback at TRE 2024. Click here to read the TRE post-show press release.

2024 Highlights

Education

Tuesday, November 19

2:30 – 3:15 PM: Navigating the Post-Election Landscape: Market Insights and Opportunities, Presented by Jaclyn Levy, Outdoor Industry Association

3:45 – 4:30 PM: Relay of Wisdom: The Power of Mentorship, Presented by LaCheryl Ameer-Bey, Bey Speaks

Wednesday, November 20

1:00 – 1:30 PM: The New Outdoors: How Culture & Style Collided with the Outdoors, Presented by Highsnobiety

Thursday, November 21

1-:00 – 10:30 AM: Developing Meaningful Relationships with Non-Profits, Presented by Leave No Trace

Can’t-Miss Gatherings

Tuesday, November 19

7:00 AM: Trail Cleanup at the Ann and Roy Butler Hike & Bike Trail, presented by ASICS, in partnership with the Low Impact Alliance & Leave No Trace

Wednesday, November 20

6:30 AM: Yoga Class, hosted by prAna

2:30 – 3:00 PM: Outdoor Industry Happy Hour at “The Park” – Stop by for a special giveaway!

4:00 – 5:00 PM: Partner Hour at “The Park”

An Overview: What to Expect

New Connections

Switchback at The Running Event not only connects you with outdoor specialty retailers, but also with run specialty retailers. With similar challenges and business goals, connecting with run specialty professionals is an opportunity to discuss business strategies and share experiences with fellow retailers you typically wouldn’t have the chance to meet. Outdoor retailers access all of the same networking events at TRE as running retailers – so there’s no shortage of connection and peer learning.

Access to Top Brands

Attending Switchback at TRE means accessing the world’s leading run and outdoor brands. Under one roof and all within a shared exhibit hall, top footwear brands (Brooks, HOKA, Saucony, Birkenstock) along with leading brands in apparel, accessories, nutrition, technology, and more, will be ready to meet and do business. CLICK HERE to browse the list of TRE 2024 exhibitors.

Industry Insights

Switchback at TRE will offer targeted, actionable education for specialty retailers throughout each day of the event. Day one will consist of a full day of educational programing – including the keynote – with additional educational sessions occurring in the exhibit hall throughout Days Two and Three.

A Good Tme

Of course, expect to have some fun at Switchback at TRE, too. Events including a morning Trail Cleanup, Opening Night Reception, and the annual Indie 5K make for an unforgettable experience that simultaneously supports networking and relationship building. For an idea of what it’s like at The Running Event and Switchback at TRE, check out the TRE 2023 recap video.

Stay Up-to-Date

Get In Touch

Emma Galeckas

Attendee Relations Coordinator

Questions about attending? Email Emma at [email protected] for support.

What People Are Saying

“Looking ahead to Nashville, I think I share the same hope and optimism as many folks I spoke with at the show: that the magic formula TRE has used to rise into the ‘it’ event on the calendar will foster a new spring/summer gathering that builds stronger community and gives voice to the stories that really matter. I am, in a word, stoked."

“As an industry it is critical that we come together to advance our business and values. TRE has been a successful formula that allows for education, trade, and gatherings. We’re looking forward to seeing how this approach can work in the outdoor space.”

"There’s a buzz here in discovering different brands and connecting with prospective retailers, and I’m looking forward to being a part of bringing that energy to the outdoor industry."

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