The NI Running Show takes place across Saturday and Sunday at the Eikon Exhibition Centre, Lisburn, bringing together runners, coaches, clinicians, brands, and clubs from across Ireland and beyond.
Part expo, part conference, the show is built around a strong main stage programme, with talks running throughout both days. These sessions are included with entry and cover everything from marathon stories and injury prevention to female health, inclusivity, mindset, and community sport.
If you are planning your visit, the speaker schedule is the best place to start. Below is the full timetable, laid out so you can decide when to arrive, what sessions you want to prioritise, and how to make the most of your day at the show:
Saturday Morning
9.15am
50 Marathons in 50 States
Jess and Manoj Swearingen in conversation with Ryan Hand
A remarkable endurance story that goes well beyond medals and mileage. Jess and Manoj reflect on the physical and mental toll of racing across the United States, and what it takes to keep turning up when motivation dips.
9.45am
The Truth About Running Shoes
Paul McMullan and Darren Costello of Lower Limb Clinic Belfast
A no nonsense look at footwear myths, injury prevention, and how runners actually should think about shoes. Practical advice rooted in clinical experience, not marketing slogans.
10.30am
An Interview with The Happy Pear
Interviewed by Ryan Hand
The headline slot of the morning sees The Happy Pear talk openly about movement, mindset, consistency, and how running fits into a busy life.
11.30am
Fuel, Strength, and Mindset. The 1 Percent That Changes Your Running
Catherine McLaughlin. Sponsored by Revive Active
Small habits add up. This session focuses on realistic changes runners can make to support training without overcomplicating things or chasing perfection.
Saturday Afternoon
12.00pm
From Bones to Biomechanics. What Runners Need to Know from the Experts
Ulster Independent Clinic Expert Panel
A panel discussion covering injury, movement, and long term running health, aimed at everyday runners who want clarity rather than scare stories.
1.00pm
An Audience with Dr Michael McKillop MBE
Paralympic legend, nine time world champion, and world record holder
A powerful conversation with Michael McKillop on elite sport, adversity, and sustaining excellence over a long career.
2.00pm
How We Accidentally Became Ultra Runners
Colin and Andrew Goodman
An honest and often funny look at how endurance goals snowball, and why people end up doing things they once swore they never would.
2.45pm
Everyone’s Free to Run
Ryan Hand in conversation with Anna Pringle and Graham Clifford
A discussion on access, opportunity, and breaking down barriers to participation in running communities.
3.30pm
From parkrun to Marathon. Live Podcast
Sean Coffey in conversation with Ger Copeland, Munro Ruigrok, and Rachel Abernethy
A live recording that follows the full journey from first 5K to marathon start line, including the mistakes most runners make along the way.
4.30pm
Women’s Hour Fireside Chat
Ryan Hand in conversation with Jade Hegarty, Erin McConnell, and Tracy Dawn Atkinson
An open discussion on training, life balance, and navigating sport in spaces that do not always cater properly for women.
Sunday Morning
9.15am
Men’s Hour Fireside Chat
Ryan Hand in conversation with Alan Ladd, John McDonnell, and Frank Rafferty
A relaxed but frank conversation around masculinity, mental health, and how men engage with sport as they get older
10.00am
Fuelling Female Health, Hormones, and Performance During Perimenopause
Colleen McGurgan
One of the most important sessions of the weekend, addressing an area still poorly covered in mainstream running conversations.
10.45am
When Your Passion Becomes Your Profession
Stephen Reid, Megan Hamill, and Lauren Clarke
A look at the realities of turning sport into work, including the parts people do not usually talk about.
11.30am
Meet Áine Hannigan Dukley
Gaelforce Events
A behind the scenes perspective on endurance events, organisation, and what runners rarely see on race day.
Sunday Afternoon
12.00pm
When It Runs Down Your Leg. Pelvic Floor Dysfunction in Runners
Gráinne Donnelly
Direct, informative, and necessary. A session that tackles an issue many runners deal with quietly.
1.00pm
Phoenix Energy Belfast City Marathon Showcase
Ryan Hand in conversation with Kukri, Steigen, Donaghy’s, and the Belfast City Marathon team
A look ahead to marathon season, kit, preparation, and what runners can expect on race weekend.
1.45pm
Marathon Sensation. Eugene Oggie Winters
Ryan Hand chats with Spirit of NI winner and local legend
A conversation with Eugene Winters on breakthrough performances and staying grounded when attention ramps up.
2.15pm
Running, Triathlon, and Hyrox
Sean Coffey in conversation with Aoife Fay and Rachel Farrell of Any Given Run Day Live
A multi discipline session covering crossover training, event choice, and avoiding burnout.
3.15pm
Running, Inclusivity, and Community Engagement with Belfast Frontrunners
Ryan Hand in conversation with Paul O’Donoghue, Matt Kelly, Anna Pollock, and Kathryn Walls
A thoughtful discussion on building welcoming spaces in sport and why community matters more than pace.
4.00pm
Blind Assisted Running. Believe in yourself, magic will happen
Tony Barclay MBE
An inspiring closing session focused on trust, teamwork, and what running can represent beyond results.
Making the Most of the Weekend
The NI Running Show is designed so you do not have to choose between talks and browsing. Sessions are spaced to allow time on the expo floor, chats with brands and clubs, and the odd coffee break without missing what you came for.
All talks are included with entry and seating is first come, first served. Popular sessions are likely to fill early, so arriving in good time is advised if there is something specific you want to catch.
If you are going for inspiration, practical advice, or simply to feel part of the wider running community, the speaker programme alone makes the NI Running Show a full day out rather than a quick walk through.
Exclusive Run Republic Ticket Offer
Tickets on the door and through standard channels are usually £13, but Run Republic readers can still access a discounted £10 ticket through our exclusive link, or £11.55 including Eventbrite fees.
With the show taking place this weekend, this is the final chance to take advantage of the Run Republic rate.
Full event details, the growing exhibitor list, and the latest speaker updates are available on the NI Running Show website, with the discounted ticket link available here.
Furher details available on the NI Running Show website link here.