Next week, there's a little race that happens every year in London. It starts in Blackheath, winding its way south of the river, before a detour past Canary Wharf and then back along the Embankment to The Mall. It's 26.2 miles long (42.2km in European money). And in case you were wondering if I am purposely avoiding the race's government name, then yes you'd be correct. If I told you, we might have some trouble. If you've not worked it out then I don't know what to tell ya...
To celebrate this always-momentous weekend, we wanted to do something special. Allow me to introduce you to Exposition. Exposition, meet reader.
Exposition (ek-spə-ˈzi-shən): A large event in which trade goods, art, industrial products etc. are exhibited to the public. Also sometimes contracted to expo. See also: exhibition; show; display.
What:
Exposition by Runlimited is a four-day showcase of running culture as told through photography, installations, discussion, competitions, music, and product. Exposition will be the ultimate immersive experience of the London running scene and beyond, bringing together communities, runners, brands, friends and family.
We have worked to craft a holistic experience for race weekend. From pre-race relaxing and fuelling, to last-minute gear, post-race celebrations and even something for those not racing. Alongside us, we've assembled what can only be described as the Avengers when it comes to brand partners who each will be bringing product, experiences, community and more to the party.
Throughout the week, we'll be hosting Spill The Beans in partnership with Origin Coffee, a series of chats with special guests from athletes to industry experts where we'll dig into everything from motivation, personal stories, tech, training, injury and more.
Post-race, don't think we haven't forgotten. We've lined up recovery and celebrations, with Theo Kottis taking over the sound system and tearing up the decks for our unofficially official After Party.
Where:
Protein Studios, 31 New Inn Yard, Shoreditch, EC2A 3EY
When:
Thursday 24th - Sunday 27th April 2025. Full schedule here.
Who:
Runlimited; Bandit Running; New Balance; SUMS; Coros; Maurten; Hyperice; Cadence; Lucky Saint; Origin Coffee; Atis.
With special guests, club partners and, most importantly, you.
Why:
Picture this. Friday before raceday. Hauling yourself out of the city to some unknown industrial zone, the looming spectre of a convention centre ever-growing in your vision. You enter, swallowed into the oesophagus of this cavernous beast. Stale air, interminable echoing racket of chatter, fluorescent white lights beaming through your retinae.
You are here as all runners must be, to complete the quest to secure your race number – an ordeal that must be survived as one final test between you and the streets that have taken the limelight in your dreams and nightmares about the big race. Endless throngs of people traipsing through lifeless stands pedalling running gadgets, gizmos, gear and goo, mere distractions between you, the race number, and freedom from this world unto itself. Lines of runners queuing in front of you to secure collection and escape. You zone out. Minutes pass. Maybe hours. Your legs are stiff – "did I start my taper too late?" you wonder, but deep down, you know it's the phantom feeling of 'the race expo' haunting your hammies. Finally, you reach the desk. You get your number and make your escape. Dodging left, swerving right, you are spat back out onto the car-park and onto the light railway knowing you have completed one final bout of tedium.
We've all been there. But Runlimited was founded on community. Exposition will be the hub for all runners this race-weekend, bringing together runners, communities, brands, clubs, friends and family to celebrate all that is good and exciting about running in London. Exposition is a reaction to corporate running, instead bringing culture, energy, good vibes and endless support from people who have been there and run that.
We hope you can join us to Run Together. Ta-ra now and good luck.
