Raccoon Media Group recently announced the launch of The Run Show. A first of its kind in the UAE, the event is set to attract thousands of running enthusiasts, bring together world-class speakers and hundreds of leading brands. The Run Show will take place at the Dubai Exhibition Centre, Expo City, on 3-4 October 2026.
We recently caught up with Tanya Cooper, who is fresh into the role as Event Director for The Run Show. In this interview we find out a little more about her background, passions and how the announcement of the debut event in the UAE has been received.
What is your career background?
I have been in the events industry managing large-scale trade shows for around 25 years and more specifically technology events for around 10 of those years. I’m a real advocate for technology and how it can be applied to empower people and enhance lives.
Would you class yourself as an active person?
Yes, my personal passions do align with being an Event Director for a running show, and that is important to me. I have always had an active lifestyle. I gained my black belt in karate at the age of 11 and had an England trial for Hockey U18’s. As I moved into adulthood, I realised my love of coaching and wellness and progressed to becoming a qualified yoga instructor and an ECB cricket coach. I do enjoy running, I currently prefer shorter distances and tend to stick to 5k and 10k runs. I’m no ultramarathoner just yet, but never say never! Experience in so many disciplines of sport naturally makes it easier for me to understand the peripheral training for recovery, progression and the mindset of runners. I can relate to those in the industry, which can’t be underestimated when you are launching a completely new event in a new location.
How long have you been with the Raccoon Media Group and how are you finding it?
I have only been here a few weeks so far, but of course know of Raccoon through the events industry. I am loving being part of the business, I think there is an amazing ethos here and I feel supported and empowered to really make a success of The Run Show.
The Run Show has only recently been announced, how long has it been in the planning stage for?
It was around six months in the research and proof of concept stages ensuring it was feasible. There is a strong running community in Dubai with many run clubs and running events, but there is nothing like the Raccoon event model: a community-led running show.
What has the initial reaction to the announcement of The Run Show been like so far?
There has been an amazing, positive reaction to the launch news. Dubai’s running scene has seen remarkable growth in recent years, with local run clubs reporting a more than 750 per cent increase in membership over the past decade.
There is a distinctive culture in Dubai’s active running community. The run clubs are really dedicated. Often hundreds of people in each club get up super early to run together before their work shift begins and to avoid higher temperatures later in the day. The feedback we have had from the community and running industry in the area is that The Run Show is exactly what is needed there. Dubai is well known for luxury lifestyle products and the major brands know this. We are thrilled to already have commitment from many of the major running brands!
There is also excitement from the community and industry about The Run Show bringing global running icons to the area, with a world-class speaker line up and thrilling content programme being planned for the debut edition.
What do you expect to be your main challenges over the coming year as you look to launch the debut edition of The Run Show?
I don’t see challenges, I can only foresee opportunities. Between the research and the reaction, we know there is high demand for this event from both business and consumers. Although this is a new event to the area, Raccoon Media Group are established, and highly regarded event organisers known for their award-winning The National Running Show in the UK and a portfolio of over 20 other high-profile B2B and B2C events globally. I’m looking forward to working closely with regional partners and the Raccoon Team to ensure The Run Show is a real success and something that can be a lasting foundation for years to come.
Dubai is renowned for its high-profile entertainment scene, are you a fan of live gigs and what are some of the more memorable ones you have been to?
Yes, I am a huge fan of live music events in so many genres, to me music is motivation to let go as well as have a good run to! I have fond memories of ‘The Big Beach Boutique’ with Fatboy Slim some years back. But a more recent memory was going to see Coldplay in concert with my son as his first gig, that was very special to share with him.