Evolution of Women’s MultiSport Action Group (WMAG) announced

Stronger, More Strategic and Member‑Led - Championing Women Across the Running & Triathlon Industry

Running Industry Alliance (RIA) is proud to announce the evolution of the Women’s MultiSport Action Group (WMAG) - a dynamic, member‑led platform created to champion women across all areas of the running and triathlon business sector. First launched at The Running Conference presented by haku in December 2024, WMAG has rapidly become a central forum for industry collaboration, empowerment and action.

WMAG exists to amplify women’s voices, unlock opportunity, and build practical pathways that support women’s progression, leadership and influence throughout the running and multi‑sport business community. Originally conceived as a support network, the group now continues as a structured working group within the Running Industry Alliance (RIA) x Triathlon Industry Alliance (TIA) ecosystem, reflecting its growth and impact within the sector. 

Purpose

WMAG’s core purpose is to:

·       Champion women across every part of the running and triathlon industry, elevating visibility and representation in leadership, operations, creative, commercial and strategic roles.

·       Create a platform for collaboration, support, discussion and action where women can share insight, inspire one another, and co‑create solutions that benefit the whole multi‑sport industry.

·       Ensure women’s voices are represented and heard across industry conversations, best practice, product development and organisational standards.

·       Build connections and partnerships with like‑minded organisations, communities and leaders advancing gender equity and inclusion in sport.

Aims

WMAG’s ambitions are both practical and impactful as part of the evolved hyper focus through experience: 

·       Improve representation, opportunity and inclusion for women at every level of the running and triathlon industry with industry-wide support

·       Create clearer pathways for progression and leadership, recognising the career complexities faced by women, including support for mothers and women balancing family with professional growth

·       Identify and remove barriersto participation and strengthen safeguarding for women across events and the industry

·       Influence and help shape stronger industry standards and best practice for women’s products, services and engagement across the UK & Ireland

Criteria for Participation

WMAG is open to individuals from all member sectors across Running Industry Alliance (RIA)and Triathlon Industry Alliance (TIA) who:

·       Represent an RIA or TIA member organisation in good standing.

·       Are committed to advancing women’s participation, representation and development across the multi‑sport business landscape.

·       Apply to join the group with endorsement from their current member organisation. 

WMAG Leadership, Board Champions & Founding Group Members

WMAG brings together industry professionals and advocates from across diverse sectors, ensuring broad experience and insight:

·       Rebecca (Becs) Richardson - CEO & Co‑Founder, Running Industry Alliance (RIA)

·       Lucy Greenhalgh - ASICS, RIA Advisory Board Champion

·       Kate Allan - Compete PR, TIA Advisory Board Champion

·       Helen Webster - Kelsey Media, TIA Advisory Board Champion

·       Kayleigh Howard - Sport In Mind, WMAG Lead

·       Sophie Power - SheRACES, WMAG Lead

·       Melanie Berry - Women’s Sport Store, WMAG Lead

·       Katie Evennett - Pro:Direct Running

·       Michelle Castro - SCOTT Sports

·       Penny Welch - Threshold Sports

·       Alice Peyredieu - The Great Run Company

·       Nicola Fitzmaurice - Revive Active

·       Bianca Fernandez‑Clark - Women In Tri UK

·       Louise Clark – Howden

·       Hannah Sprake - Sporting Insights

·       Lia Hamilton - THE•TEAM

·       Amber Aitken - Ultra Challenge

·       Rosie Hislop - Find A Race

·       Susie Roberts - Nice Work

These women represent strength, diverse experiences and shared purpose with a unified commitment to advancing women’s careers, confidence and leadership across the multi‑sport ecosystem and economy.

To learn more about WMAG visit: www.runningindustryalliance.com/about/womens-multipsort-action-group/

Triathlon Industry Alliance (TIA): www.triathlonindustryalliance.com

Running Industry Alliance (RIA) : www.runningindustryalliance.com