OLYMPIC gold medallist Lady Mary Peters has sounded the starting gun for the inaugural NI Running Show, setting the stage for the highly anticipated event coming in February 2026 to the Eikon Exhibition Centre in Lisburn.
As the first event of its kind in Northern Ireland, the NI Running Show will bring together runners of every ability, from complete beginners and parkrun regulars to marathoners and elite athletes. The February expo will showcase the best of all things running, through exhibitors, interactive experiences, workshops, and inspirational talks.
At the official launch, attended by local running clubs, media, and sports leaders, the vision for the show was unveiled – to celebrate and empower the diverse running community in Northern Ireland under one roof.
A number of top brands are already signed up including Decathlon, Shokz, Scimitar, and Pure Running, with more major partners set to be announced in the coming weeks.
For those unsure of what an Expo is, founder and event organiser, Oonagh Cattigan explains: “Think of it as the ideal home show for runners. Expect to shop, discover new products and techniques, connect with running groups and events and learn from our expert coaches and speakers.”
Highlights of the February event will include:
- Leading exhibitors featuring footwear, nutrition, and running gear
- Interactive experiences such as gait analysis, training advice, the Decathlon sponsored kids zone and an ice bath challenge
- Expert-led talks on nutrition, injury prevention, and performance
- Club and community networking opportunities
Speaking at the launch event, Lady Mary Peters, who won pentathlon gold at the 1972 Olympics, shared her enthusiasm for the event.
The Mary Peter Trust founder said: “I admire those who go out running, especially in conditions like this Storm Amy weekend.
“As a trustee of the London Marathon for 15 years, I saw first-hand how events like this bring people together from all over the world. From couch to 5k beginners to seasoned athletes, people of all standards and with all the joy-of-running are out there, and that’s why the NI Running Show will be such a popular and important event.
“At the Mary Peters Trust, now in our 50th year, we’ve supported over 5,000 athletes across all sports, and it’s wonderful to see running celebrated in this way here in Northern Ireland.”
Northern Ireland has long enjoyed a vibrant running community, yet until now, there has been no dedicated show to bring together every level of runner.
The NI Running Show aims to change that, offering an inclusive platform where everyone from couch-to-5k runners to seasoned marathoners can learn, connect, and be inspired.
Event Details
- When: February 7-8, 2026
- Where: Eikon Exhibition Centre, Lisburn
- Tickets & Registration: https://www.nirunningshow.com/tickets
- Website: www.nirunningshow.com
From left, at the NI Running Show launch, Declan Leung from Athletics NI, Oonagh Cattigan, Lady Mary Peters and Matt Shields from Parkrun
