After seven years at Diversified – the parent company of The Running Event (TRE) and Running Insight – and working for the past five years in marketing for TRE, Genae Salinas last month assumed the role of event director of The Running Event. She takes over from TRE’s previous director, Christina Henderson, who has moved up to a new role as vice president of the Endurance portfolio at Diversified. 

Salinas recently moved to Pittsburgh, PA, after more than seven years in Portland, ME, where Diversified is headquartered. Running and movement have always been part of her life through sports and random 5Ks, but it wasn’t until 2020 – during the pandemic – that she really got into distance running. Every day, she says, “I feel so lucky to be able to blend a personal passion with the work I do.”

Running Insight sat down with Salinas during her first month in her new role to talk about her background, what she brings to the industry and where The Running Event is headed in 2026 and beyond.

You are stepping into the role previously held by Christina Henderson, who is moving up the corporate ladder into a VP role. What have you learned from working with her the past couple of years that will serve you well in your new job?

I’ve worked with Christina for more than five years now and words can’t really capture how much I’ve learned from her. Much of my professional growth has been a result of her support and mentorship, which really speaks to the type of leader she is. While I’ll of course bring my own experience and style to this role, it’ll be built on the foundation Christina has laid for me, our team and the event.

So, what did you do on your first day as TRE event director?

That’s a good question. Right now, I’m really focused on learning from and listening to the running industry and community. I’m thinking about the future of TRE and how we can keep showing up and delivering the most value to the industry, beyond the event. While I’m excited to really start digging into all the TRE 2026 details, I’m taking the time now to ask some of those “bigger” questions: Where is TRE headed? How can we best serve the running industry this year and beyond?

What are you most looking forward to in the next year as we head to TRE 2026?

“Everything” isn’t the best answer here, but it’s true. Mostly though, I just want to keep creating a space for the running industry to connect. One of my favorite things is hearing the post-TRE stories about the connections made at the event that led to new jobs, new opportunities, new friendships. It’s a real reminder of why we do what we do. Personally, I’m excited about this new role and all the learning that will come with it. TRE is made possible by an incredible team of individuals and I can’t wait to keep building with them.

What do you think the biggest challenges will be?

I think our largest challenge every year is also an opportunity: it’s ensuring we’re delivering an event that is relevant, intentional and valuable to the running industry right now. Retailers are leaving their stores and investing time and money to attend TRE; brands are doing the same thing. So, it’s on us to make sure they’re getting that ROI — and then some. For example, it’s not easy to rebuild our education program every year, but it’s a critical piece of what makes TRE so valuable: timely education that reflects the here and now.

So what are the biggest opportunities?

I’ll add that there was a lot of talk about trail running both during and after TRE and I expect there to be even more of a trail presence in 2026. 

And what about TRE’s role in building the running community?

We’re are hearing the word “community” more than ever, especially around run clubs. Run clubs are becoming the heart of many communities and we’re seeing them evolve into more inclusive, welcoming spaces. Retailers and brands alike will continue exploring opportunities around run clubs and similar groups, as they’re only going to keep growing and popping up in new places, which is so exciting.

Finally, when TRE 2026 – the event’s 20th anniversary – opens its doors in San Antonio in December, what will you have hoped to accomplish?

When it comes down to it, it’s not so much about the numbers. It’s about creating a space for connection and opportunity and seeing the smiles on everyone’s faces, whether it’s their 15th TRE or their first. The passion and joy at TRE are nearly tangible and that feeling and atmosphere confirms to our team that we’ve done our job.

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Words from the boss

Running Insight reached out to Christina Henderson, vice president of the Endurance Group at Diversified, which includes The Running Event and Switchback as well as Running Insight, for some thoughts on Genae Salinas, her successor as director of The Running Event.

“Genae has been a key leader of The Running Event for six years and her deep understanding of and passion for the running industry shines through in everything she does. She’s a steady leader who brings conviction and heart to every conversation. Over the years, she’s built meaningful relationships across the industry and earned the trust of everyone around her.

“Genae understands voice, message and purpose in a way that’s rare. You can see it in how she’s approached marketing TRE and launching Switchback. She builds authentic connections while driving real business results. She will do a great job as director of The Running Event and I am confident she is the person to take the event to the next level in 2026 and beyond.”