The Running Industry Alliance (RIA) has confirmed the appointment of Tom Kerry, who is joining RIA as Co-Lead for Event & Mass Participation Members for 2024 onwards.
In a career spanning more than 20 years in the running industry, Kerry has over two decades of race management experience at Limelight Sports – delivering events such as Nike Run London, The Royal Parks Half Marathon, ASICS London 10K, Hackney Moves Festival, Oxford Half Marathon and the JP Morgan Corporate Challenge. Hee has been part of race management teams on large scale, city centre events in Australia, the UAE and Egypt.
Tom Kerry is Director and Chair of the EHM Legacy CIC, the community arm and founding body of the Ealing Half Marathon, West London 10K and Ealing Mini Mile; and he is one of the original Running Mayors representing the London Borough of Ealing.
He is also part of the Mass Participation World Global Council, previously chaired the Mass Sports Organisers Group, and is involved in various consultancy projects anchored to events.
A keen runner himself, and a regular event participant and volunteer, he has completed over 500 parkruns, numerous half marathons and a couple of marathons.
Kerry had already been involved with RIA as Co-Host of the Running Industry Alliance Podcast in association with Supersonic where he has been talking to event sector members and guests.
The newly created role will see him working closely with Rebecca (Becs) Richardson (Co-Lead of RIA) to further grow and develop opportunities for the events vertical in RIA, which was already one of the association’s fastest growing channels in 2023.
Kerry will be working on the #RunItForward legacy with his experience from CIC and community involvement. He will also be representing RIA at external event forums, committees, events and networks where appropriate both in the UK and globally.
Becs Richardson, Co-Lead at RIA said “We are delighted to welcome Tom to the RIA core team. I have worked with Tom on many occasions over the years, and his background in running, both professionally and personally, places him perfectly to understand and further support event organisers of all sizes across the UK and Ireland.
“Tom brings with him a wealth of experience and knowledge from the running industry working with various organisations and types of businesses over the years. We are looking forward to working closely with Tom in this newly created role at RIA and for the continual industry advancement of RIA members and their businesses.”
Tom Kerry said “I have been a big supporter of RIA since its launch in 2022, and I am excited to officially be part of the RIA core team. I have a huge passion for running as a sport and as an industry, and I believe that my vast experience will be helpful to RIA and its many members.
“We will be encouraging further sharing of best practice, finding new ways to collaborate and form partnerships with other members, and amplify our collective voice to influence and help business thrive in this sector.”
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