One of the highlights, for me, of the weekend we've just left behind was the Running & Endurance Sport Show. Previously known simply as The Running Show, the event, held at Sandown Park gives anyone with an interest in running the opportunity to browse kit, find out about events, talk to brands, dip into seminars and workshops and even run a race. I've been twice previously and have always enjoyed it. this year was no exception.
Registering in advance meant entry was free with race entry just £12 for the 10k and workshops £6 (seminars free). For a free event with plenty of parking it's well worth a trip. Last year I visited on the Sunday and took part in the 10k but this year other commitments meant I had to visit on the Saturday instead and forgo the run. A pity, as it was excellent fun before but I still managed to spend most of the day at the event.
It struck me that there were fewer stands this year but with the rear of the hall being given over to the kid's indoor triathlon; a fantastic idea to introduce more youngsters to the joy of sport. But there was plenty to browse. A number of race organisers were there promoting their events, everything from 5 and 10km events to ultras, OCRs and relays. Running Fitness and Runner's World were offering great subscription deals. Plenty of nutrition brands were plying their wares; from the well-known Nuun, Clif, High5 to the lesser-known Rude Health, Beet IT Sport and Beyuna. ActivBod cosmetics look to be about to give PrettyActive a run for their money; making an appearance at a Boots near you in the New Year. Entry to the show gets you a goody bag and there were plenty of samples around too. I came away with quite a haul.
There was plenty of kit on offer from retailers like Alton Sports and brands like Mizuno. I toyed with a Salomon running vest and a new pair of trail shoes but managed to resist. But I did make a point of visiting CrewRoom to see some of their new range. I fell a little bit in love with the Just Jacket, admired the design of the Zephyr Jacket and added the duffel bag to my Christmas wish list. Their new North West hoodie is top of my list but every single piece has so much thought put into it. They've got a pop-up in Putney, in addition to their HQ, and I'm still super-keen to get to one of the SUP classes they run in association with Active360.
With a few endurance and ultra events in my diary I found Mark Kleanthous' talk on Training and Nutrition for Ultra-Running worthwhile and really enjoyed chatting with Ira Rainey, author of Fat Man to Green Man about his experiences. I walked away with a signed copy of his book which I will open *after* Gatliff I think. I was inspired enough to go out in pouring rain yesterday and enjoy a soggy 10 mile trail run.
I loved the Running Show last year and was disappointed to miss it this year. Glad you had a fab time!!
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