I had a brilliant day out at the National Running Show, at the NEC in Birmingham, last week. Being mildly thrifty, I parked 3 miles away to avoid paying the £15 parking fee – then ran to the entrance, in jeans, which certainly got me in the mood!
The show had passed me by until my good friend Rommany, suggested it to me in the Autumn, for us to attend together. At school, I was in awe of Rommany, a natural at running cross-country, fast. Meanwhile, I hated cross country and would always sneak in a shortcut when the PE teachers weren’t looking. It wasn’t until my twenties that I got the taste for it.
The annual show first took place in 2018 and has grown to become the biggest community meet up in the UK for runners of all abilities. This year there were four stages, covering a wealth of inspirational talks, Ultras, running skills and an eco-conscious Village Green. In addition there were over 250 exhibits, showcasing nutritional products to clothing, national and international events to coaching support. Oh, and plenty of freebies! I wished I’d gone both days!
The absolute highlight, for me, was two speakers Scott Jurek and Jasmine Paris. Scott is one of the greatest ultra-runners of all time. I’ve followed him ever since I read the eponymous Born to Run by Christopher McDougall in my 20s. Scott has won the Western States 100 multiple times and set the Appalachian Trail speed record.
What comes across most about Scott though, is that despite all the competitions and resilience, it is his joy in the run. It’s that joy he instills, that I love him for! That book and Scott’s journey inspired me to do my first Ultra, London to Brighton in 2012.
I saw Jasmin Paris speak twice, naturally. Just an incredible human! She was perhaps best known for winning the 2019 Montane Spine Race, where she set the course record while expressing milk for her baby.
That is, until 2024 when she made history by becoming the first women to complete all four loops of the brutal Barkley Marathons 100+ mile race, in its 35 year history – finishing with just 99 seconds remaining before the 60-hour cut-off. Somehow she also finds time to be a mother, vet and partner! Just exceptional.
One aim I had for the show was getting a clearer idea of where I stand with foldable running poles. I’ve been umming and arring for a while about getting poles for those hillier races, so it was good timing that Kate Parker, Founder of Harrier Trail Running, put on a skills talk on using them. This was followed up by great support from their stand, and with a 20% show offer, actually decided to buy them there!
If you do decide to get foldable poles, you have two main decisions to make. Whether you want aluminium or carbon poles, and adjustable or fixed. Carbon poles are lighter yet more expensive, though more likely to break under strain, whilst aluminium poles are heavier but stronger. However, Harriers have developed a lighter aluminum pole, that surprised me at how light it was, and in my opinion, worth the very slight compromise in weight for increased strength.
Similarly, fixed length poles are lighter, but adjustable poles are suited to varying terrain, where you want to adjust down if climbing, versus descending, for instance. For me, it makes sense to get adjustable poles, and Harrier’s sales assistant helped work out the best length for my height.
I’m now the proud owner of a pair of Catbells Aluminium Z-Poles V2 in orange. Obviously I’d have preferred pink, but sadly not an option! Harriers offer free online training on how to use them effectively and I’m thinking of booking a 1 hour session in the Peaks with a pole instructor in the Spring.
The rest of the day was spent soaking up the atmosphere, exploring stands, buying some Kendal Mint Cake and honey gels, and dipping into talks. One minute I’d be learning how a large magnet can help heal tendonitis, and the next see a Badwater Ultra buckle at a show and tell! It was busy, but not overly so, and everything was accessible.
I ran into an old friend, Hannah Cox, who spoke in a Q&A. Hannah is running 4000km in 100 days across India later this year; the route traces an old Customs Line, created in 1869 by the British to enforce a salt tax, that contributed to the starvation of millions. Check out Project Salt Run, which is shining a light on how we often consume more than we need, impacting future generations – Hannah aims to raise £1,000,000 for communities impacted by climate change.
Hannah also invited me to join a local ultra running group in Manchester, and it’s this sense of community I’m appreciating more and more as I progress into this joyful world.
Whether it’s the National Running Show, Parkruns, podcasts, the ultra community, or my first experience crewing, running feels more and more like being part of something bigger, and less like a solo pursuit. The camaraderie, support, and shared passion make it all the more rewarding. I can’t wait for next year’s show!
Pink Tutu Adventures 