An exciting opportunity for the next generation of running event leaders 👇

As part of the European Running Business Conference 2026 in Porto, European Athletics has launched the 30 Under 30 Running Leaders initiative — designed to bring together young professionals shaping the future of mass participation and running events.

European Running Business Conference 2/7

30 selected participants will:

✔ Attend the European Running Business Conference 2026
✔ Connect with industry leaders from across Europe and beyond
✔ Gain hands-on insight into the global running community
✔ Take part in the Porto Marathon (marathon or 10K)

Plus, additional prizes include travel and accommodation in Porto, and entry to the European Running Championships 2027 in Belgrade.

European Running Business Conference 3/7

If you’re aged 18–29 and involved in race organization, event delivery, or working with a federation, this is your chance to be part of something special.

European Running Business Conference 4/7
The future of the running industry is already out there.
Working on races. Solving problems. Building events.
European Running Business Conference 5/7

But too often, those voices are not in the room.

At ERBC, we believe they should be.

That’s why we are launching:

30 Under 30 Running Leaders Coming to Porto Competition

We are bringing 30 young professionals under 30 working in race organizations, mass participation events, and athletics federations into the same space as some of the most experienced organizers in the world.

Not as observers.
But as part of the conversation.

Because the next generation of race organizers is not coming.
They are already here.

If you are already involved in organizing races or building running communities, this is your opportunity to step into the global running industry.

European Running Business Conference 7/7

​