Olympic champions among the show’s speakers, while Eilish McColgan is announced for 2021 event in Birmingham

Organisers have celebrated the success of The National Running Show’s third edition after more than 24,500 runners attended the two-day event at the NEC in Birmingham over the weekend (January 25-26).

Two 1992 Olympic champions – Linford Christie and Sally Gunnell – officially opened day one of the show on Saturday, while day two was opened by Olympic and world medallist Kriss Akabusi and ultra running star Dean Karnazes.

All four were among those to feature on the popular and varied speaker programme, along with the likes of Steve Cram, Jo Pavey, Lazarus Lake, Mimi Anderson, Anna McNuff, Camille Heron and Nicky Spinks.

Show hosts were Iwan Thomas and Susie Chan.

“I’ve been to so many shows but I don’t think I’ve ever been to a show which is full of so many running enthusiasts, obviously, but just so passionate about what they do,” said world and Olympic 400m hurdles gold medallist Gunnell. “It has just been brilliant.”

We sat down with @SallyGunnell at the @nationalrunshow on Saturday and here’s part of the interview (more to follow!) as she talks about being at the show, the new @BiggPerformance set-up, her involvement and more #runshow20 @JonathanBigg pic.twitter.com/K3v4VtSYdI

— AW (@AthleticsWeekly) January 28, 2020

As well as speaking on the inspiration stage, 1983 world 1500m champion Cram had a stand for his Steve Cram Training Camps at the show, and said: “It’s the first time I’ve been to The National Running Show and we’ve got a stand here promoting the training camps. It has been phenomenal, it has been rammed the whole time.”

Chat with Steve Cram @jarrowarrow yesterday at the @nationalrunshow on being busy, his involvement with the show and @SCramTraining, Olympic year, coaching @LauraWeightman and more #stevecram #runshow20 pic.twitter.com/sQ6U5AsX90

— AW (@AthleticsWeekly) January 26, 2020

As well as the inspiration stage, there was a dedicated ultra zone, trail zone and OCR zone, plus a running skills theatre, sponsored by Intersport.

More than 250 exhibitors also spanned the exhibition halls, offering the latest in kit, tech, nutrition, events and more.

“We are absolutely delighted with the success of The National Running Show Birmingham 2020,” said event director Nathalie Davies.

“Thank you to every single person who came to the show and we hope that you went home informed and inspired, wherever you are on your running journey.

“It was a privilege to have so many speakers, retailers, brands and experts under one roof, each helping to advise and encourage visitors as they prepare for the year of running ahead. We are excited to be hosting the very first National Running Show in London this June and look forward to welcoming many more runners of all levels there.”

The National Running Show, in partnership with Children with Cancer UK, will return to the NEC on January 30-31, 2021, with Eilish McColgan having been announced as one of the speakers.

The London event is set for June 13-14 at the Business Design Centre. Tickets are available at nationalrunningshowlondon.reg.buzz and are currently free.