At a time when running continues its rapid rise across Europe and commands growing global attention, the European Running Business Conference, in collaboration with Mass Participation World (MPW), will stage a dedicated webinar on 21 May 2026.
- Registration
Titled “Focus on Europe,” the session will bring together race organisers and industry stakeholders to explore the evolving European running landscape and the key trends shaping the future of the sport.
The timing is significant. The webinar follows closely on the heels of the latest edition of the London Marathon, which once again underlined the global reach and cultural impact of running.
Today’s major races are no longer simply competitions — they are global phenomena, pushing human limits while capturing the imagination of audiences worldwide.
Against this backdrop, the webinar will connect some of the most influential projects and events currently defining the future of running in Europe.
Discussions will span the growth of initiatives such as the European Marathon Classics, the continued evolution of the World Athletics Road Running Championships, and the expanding ambitions surrounding the European Running Business Conference Porto – Gaia and the EDP Porto Marathon 2026.
Looking further ahead, attention will also turn to the European Running Championships 2027 in Belgrade, a landmark event set to further elevate the profile of road running across the continent.
A key theme of the session will be the shifting dynamics of the European runners’ marketplace. Increasingly, athletes and participants are selecting events based not only on performance opportunities but also on storytelling, experience and identity — signalling a broader transformation in how running is positioned and consumed.
A strong line-up of speakers
The webinar will feature leading voices from across the international running ecosystem, including:
- Paula Radcliffe (Great Britain) – former marathon world record holder and ambassador of European Running Business Conference Porto – Gaia and EDP Porto Marathon 2026
- Hugh Brasher (United Kingdom) – London Marathon Events
- Kathrin Widu (Austria) – Vienna City Marathon / European Marathon Classics
- Charlotte Melchert (Germany) – AHOTU / World Sports Group
- Tiago Teixeira (Portugal) – Run Porto
- Darko Habuš (Serbia) – Belgrade Marathon
- Alessio Punzi (Italy) – World Athletics
- Marko Vasic (Serbia) – European Athletics
The session will be moderated by Chris Robb and hosted by Marko Vasic on behalf of European Athletics.
With participation free of charge, the webinar offers a valuable opportunity for stakeholders across the sport to gain insight into one of the fastest-growing sectors in athletics — and to better understand how Europe is helping shape the global future of running.