GOOD TIMES 2021 brought some notable milestone anniversaries worth celebrating. / By Daniel P. Smith
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his is a big year for The Running Event. Not only does 2021 bring the return of America’s largest running specialty trade show after a COVID-derailed 2020, but this post-Thanksgiving gathering in Austin, TX, marks the 15th anniversary of The Running Event. Yes, it was in 2006 that The Running Event was born with an ambitious plan to assemble the industry’s vendors, retailers and other partners in one location for a dynamic, multi-day event designed to connect, engage and educate. Over the years, TRE has evolved into a can’t-miss industry event filled with spirit, energy and collegiality. “Running stores talk a lot about community and we tried to mirror that community aspect with highquality personal service, social events and adapting the show as the market evolved,” says Mark Sullivan, one-fourth of TRE’s founding quartet, Formula4 Media, which sold TRE – and Running Insight – to its current owner, Diversified Communications, in 2018. “As we celebrate the 15th anniversary of The Running Event this year, we look forward to an even brighter future for the run specialty community that we serve,” adds Christina Henderson, TRE show director and publisher of Running Insight. “We are proud to play our part in the success of this very special industry by facilitating connections and growth at The Running Event.” On the heels of a pandemic-plagued 2020, TRE’s return is reason enough to raise a glass; that 2021 also marks TRE’s 15th birthday adds extra punch. 10
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In Montana, the Runner’s Edge marked its 20th anniversary with a vibrant July 13 event at Big Sky Brewery that included resurrecting the store’s popular Treadmill Challenge, honoring staff members, showcasing local partners and raising more than $20,000 for Youth Homes.
But TRE isn’t the only one celebrating a milestone birthday in 2021. Runner’s Edge Goes Big for #20 One of the grandest birthday celebrations of all happened in Missoula, MT, where Runner’s Edge, a past Best Running Store in America honoree, marked its 20th birthday with a festive event at Big Sky Brewery on July 13. The free party included the store’s ballyhooed Treadmill Challenge – rescheduled from its typical winter date due to COVID-19 – alongside Big Sky refreshments, Big Dipper ice cream and KornUtopia popcorn. The store also distributed commemorative Runner’s Edge T-shirts. The event also raised money for Youth Homes, a local non-profit that cares for children facing abuse, neglect, emotional trauma and substance abuse problems.
Powered by some large raffle prizes, including a Missoula Staycation package anchored by a downtown Airbnb stay, the Runner’s Edge exceeded its $20,000 target for Youth Homes. During the event, store leadership also brought current and past employees to the stage and introduced them to the gathered crowd. “It was really important for us to celebrate our customers, the community and anybody who played a role at the shop over the last 20 years,” Runner’s Edge owner Anders Brooker says. “We feel so lucky to be part of this community and we wanted to celebrate our customers and our team.” Altra Celebrates A Decade Admittedly, Brian Beckstead wondered if Altra would ever get here. When he and
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