The year 2025 was very special for many of the large and small businesses in the runnning specialty world – from the first sunglasses from Smith Optics six decades ago to the first full decade in business of retailers such as Run Newport and Run Hub Northwest. And don’t forget all of the Fleet Feet
franchises and corporate-owned stores marking their own special occasions.
Senior writer Danny Smith spent the first half of the year researching and compiling important dates within the run specialty business and the result is a look at more than 60 special occasions
being celebrated industry-wide.
Undoubtedly there are other anniversaries being celebrated in 2025 and we apologize if we missed any this time around. Feel free to contact Danny Smith at [email protected] and we will surely include you in an upcoming issue of Running Insight+.
And, of course, we will be doing this all again in 2026, when an entire new collection of anniversaries will be marked. Let us know who you are — we would love to celebrate with you.
Let the party begin!
___________
Smith Optics #60
Smith Optics owes its creation to … an orthodontist? That’s right. Back in 1965, orthodontist and admitted “ski bum” Dr. Bob Smith developed the first sealed thermal lens and breathable vent foam goggles, an invention enabling him to inject a few more powder runs into his day. Twenty-four years later, Smith entered the sunglass market, soon after introducing the first interchangeable lens system for sunglasses in 1995 with the Slider 01.
Innovation has continued to drive Smith’s namesake company. The Portland, OR-based enterprise developed the world’s largest eco-friendly sunglass collection in 2009, the Evolve program, by utilizing bio-based and recycled materials in all product categories. Four years later with ChromaPop, Smith unveiled the most scientifically advanced lens technology to optimize color and increase optical clarity.
Over recent years, Smith has grown its performance running category in earnest with a few compelling new options, including the Vert PivLock and Defy performance sunglasses.
Super Jock ‘n Jill #50
Eschewing split shorts and sneakers in favor of a mini-skirt and go-go boots, Laurel James didn’t look the part of a run specialty pioneer. And yet, 50 years later, James’ retail concoction, Seattle-based Super Jock ‘n Jill, remains one of the channel’s true trailblazers.
James, an insurance agent and single mom to five boys, opened Super Jock ‘n Jill in November 1975. She packed a 500-square-foot former gas station with pairs of the Nike Cortez, some Converse, white cotton socks and a party-like atmosphere. The store – and the Jameses’ family home – became a gathering place for Seattle-based runners as well as visitors to The Emerald City, including athletics icons like Steve Prefontaine, Grete Waitz, Frank Shorter and Arthur Lydiard.
Within two years, James’ no-fuss retail shop proved such a hit that she moved the store to a bigger commercial location across the street from Seattle’s Green Lake Park. In the one-time stamp collecting space, Super Jock ‘n Jill charged into the 1980s and subsequent decades, crafting partnerships with the local medical community to expand the store’s customer base beyond runners and perfecting a sit-and-fit experience rooted in listening, observing and knowledge.
“The number one thing we tell staff here is not to sell people, but rather help them buy what they need,” says Chet James, Laurel James’ second oldest son who began managing the store in 1981. “If you keep pushing to get the customer what’s useful, keep turning the worm and doing the right thing, that commitment will make you enduring.”
A legendary staff prank once cemented that point. Team members emptied the store’s shoe wall and then packed it with Chet James’ favorite model, the Adidas Supernova Classic. For five full days, the shoe wall displayed that single selection – and quite surprisingly, Chet James recalls, no one seemed to mind it much.
“It was a fun joke that provided a memorable lesson: it’s not the shoes that are important, but the experience of helping each person get the best product for their needs,” Chet James says.
Since 1997, Chet James has led the 3000-square-foot store alongside his wife, Judy Albrecht, a former school administrator whose deft back-office skills empowered her husband to work with product and people. With husband and wife both now 68, Chet James acknowledges Super Jock ‘n Jill’s long-term future rests with others, though precise plans remain TBD.
“We’ve always accepted the fact we’re just the caregivers,” Chet James says.
Marathon Sports #50
Though Marathon Sports started in a renovated first-floor apartment near Harvard Square in Cambridge, MA, way back in 1975, Colin Peddie is the one who propelled Marathon Sports’ rise into New England running prominence.
Peddie, a local competitive runner who provided massage services to athletes at Marathon Sports, purchased the retail business in 1992. Over 30 years at the helm, he opened additional Marathon Sports locations and acquired other local running retailers (Connecticut’s soundRUNNER in 2013 and New Hampshire’s Runner’s Alley in 2015) en route to operating 18 stores by 2022, at which time he sold the business to Fleet Feet’s parent company, Onward Outdoor Brands.
Current Marathon Sports president Ben Cooke says Peddie grew pragmatically, capitalizing on compelling acquisition targets, taking advantage of real estate opportunities, including putting a store at the finish line of the Boston Marathon, and building a team capable of evolving with the business. And it didn’t hurt he was a strong, uber-competitive operator, Cooke notes.
“It could be argued that the early start of the brand and an elbows-out mentality chased a lot of potential competitors away,” Cooke says.
Today, despite existing in the Fleet Feet orbit, the Marathon Sports name remains alongside its ambitious attitude. Since 2022, Marathon Sports has welcomed 10 additional locations into the fold through a combination of store openings and acquisitions, bringing its total unit count to 28. The chain has also more than doubled its e-commerce presence, which now accounts for nearly 25 percent of total revenue, and further bolstered its business with race ownership, screenprinting, team sales, pop-up store partnerships and NIL (name, image and likeness) deals.
“If we have the right people, we can do anything: operate in other countries, create endurance festivals or keep growing,” Cooke teases. “Our culture is about winning together.”
The Runners Shop #50
When 1968 Olympian David Ellis opened The Runners Shop in 1975, he sold but one shoe model – Nike’s iconic Waffle Trainer – and had, according to current store owner Lynn Bourque, little interest in organizing social runs from his Toronto storefront.
“His philosophy was rooted in performance: you ran to train, and you trained to win,” says Bourque, the store’s third owner following Ellis and Elaine McCrae.
Oh, how things have changed at Canada’s oldest run specialty shop.
The Toronto-based store boasts a supersized selection of running footwear and gear and an inclusive run club Bourque considers “the heart of the store.”
“Our store is constantly hosting races, shoe demos, workshops, cheer stations and so much more,” Bourque says. “We are about so much more than shoes.”
Since assuming ownership of The Runners Shop in 2018, Bourque has strived to lead with focus and purpose, honoring the store’s run specialty roots and “playing offense, not defense.”
“Distractions are everywhere – new trends, new shoes and what the Joneses are doing down the street,” she says. “But chasing your competitors – or every new shiny thing – can easily pull you off course.”
Bourque has been intentional about embracing collaboration, particularly with her staff. When hiring, she seeks kindness, creativity, curiosity and sharp thinking, and then gives staff members license to utilize their talents to elevate the store’s performance.
“Seeking their input gives everyone a sense of ownership and investment,” Bourque says of her staff.
To mark the store’s 50th anniversary, Bourque created a history wall telling the story of the 1970’s running boom. The display includes Bill Bowerman’s book Jogging, a vintage Nike Waffle trainer, the 1975 Brooks Villanova, a replica of the Onitsuka Tiger Mexico 66, the New Balance 320 and a 1975 Runner’s World magazine issue detailing the premature death of Steve Prefontaine. Toss in some 50th anniversary apparel, golden anniversary-themed activations with brands like Altra and New Balance and a big September party and The Runners Shop is putting a bright spotlight on its five decades in business.
“It will be hard to top celebrating the 50th,” Bourque says.
Swags #45
Last August, twin sisters Allie and Layney Vincent took the ownership reins at Louisville-based Swags from their beloved mentor, Swag Hartel. In less than a year, the Vincents have put their own stamp on the two-store operation while honoring the founding spirit of the 45-year-old business. They rebranded the store Swags – dropping Sport Shoes from its name – unveiled a new logo and launched the Swags 10K as well as the Grand Slam Track Event Day & Viewing Party, a youth-focused community celebration bringing families and athletes together.
“[Hartel] built Swags on trust, connection and service,” Allie Vincent says. “Whether you were an elite runner or walking into a run store for the first time, he made you feel seen. That mindset remains at the core of everything we do.”
To that end, the Vincents recently introduced the Swag Hartel Generosity Initiative, a non-profit helping youth teams and organizations access high-quality footwear.
“Swag taught us that success starts with showing up for people consistently and sincerely,” Allie Vincent adds.
Runner’s Edge #40
On the opening day of business at the Runner’s Edge, founder Bob Cook tallied $43.28 in sales. Fortunately, things picked up from that modest 1985 debut – a credit to Cook’s entrepreneurial energy and a can-do attitude enduring into contemporary times at the run specialty retailer with locations in Farmingdale and Huntington, NY.
Over the last four decades, Runner’s Edge has moved from rudimentary retail shop – think handwritten receipts – to a sophisticated retail operation with a POS system, web store, foot scanner, retirement plan for full-time employees and internally promoted team members overseeing areas like events and marketing. Runner’s Edge has also been voted Long Island’s best sneaker store nearly a dozen times in the FourLeaf Best of Long Island contest, a resident-led effort to identify top businesses in Nassau and Suffolk counties.
In April, Runner’s Edge celebrated the shop’s 40th anniversary with a run and party featuring vendors, live music, raffles and limited-edition t-shirts.
“It truly felt so special to be surrounded by all our family, friends, customers, teammates and all of the local running community who came to celebrate this milestone,” Runner’s Edge buyer Allison Galante says.
ASICS Los Angeles Marathon #40
Inspired by the success of the 1984 Olympic Games in Los Angeles, the first Olympics to feature a women’s marathon race, city leaders and running enthusiasts in the City of Angels banded together to launch the first LA Marathon in 1986. Over the last four decades, the event has sprouted into a globally recognized event attracting runners from all 50 states and more than 60 counties. At the 40th running of the LA Marathon in April, more than 21,000 participants crossed the event’s finish line at Avenue of the Stars in Century City.
Race director Stacey Embretson says there’s a lot to celebrate in the LA Marathon’s history, from raising more than $70 million through its non-profit partnership program to impacting local youth through its Students Run LA and 26th Mile initiative with the Los Angeles Unified School District. But it’s the future that has Embretson particularly excited.
“We’re focused on enhancing the runner experience through new technology, sustainability and deeper community engagement,” Embretson says. “As part of The McCourt Foundation, our long-term vision is to grow the marathon as a platform for purpose – supporting neurological medical research, promoting health and wellness and empowering individuals and communities to lead healthier lives.”
Gazelle Sports #40
Over the last four decades, Gazelle Sports has matured from a single door in Kalamazoo, MI, into a regional running powerhouse boasting seven retail shops, a robust e-commerce business and a lively mix of signature events led by Gazelle Girl, the nation’s second-ever all-women’s half marathon.
Inspired by the entrepreneurial grit of past leaders Chris Lampen-Crowell, Bruce Johnson, Ken Sung and Jean Sequite, current Gazelle leaders Jen Brummitt (CEO) and Cara Cross (chief marketing officer) are pushing the Michigan-based retailer ahead with intent and purpose.
“We both are privileged and proud to hold an unshakeable belief in the idea of Gazelle Sports, and what it means to carry its legacy into the future,” Brummitt says.
Gazelle began celebrating its 40th anniversary last fall with a collection of gear featuring the shop’s original 1985 logo. But more is on the horizon, Brummitt says, including an official birthday celebration in December.
FootZone #30
It might sound trite, but FootZone manager Colton Gale attributes the Bend, OR, retail store’s 30-year run to a simple, single-word philosophy: care.
“What it really comes down to is that successful stores care about their community,” Gale says.
It’s why FootZone has always tried to respond to community needs, whether that’s bringing in specific insoles at the request of local medical providers, offering waterproof gear for winter warriors or stocking trail footwear for a swelling trail running community. (Notably, trail shoes now account for about one-third of total footwear sales at FootZone.)
“We do our best to adapt to the individual situation of each customer to provide our community with exceptional service,” Gale says.
OutsidePR #30
Gordon Wright and his team at OutsidePR have built a lively portfolio of run industry clients that today includes the likes of Salomon, Diadora, The North Face, Injinji and Teva.
OutsidePR has capitalized on lifestyle media outlets’ appetite for stories about the running industry and leveraged running brands’ consistent commitment to innovation and supporting a healthy populace to land media placements in prominent outlets such as The New York Times, Shape and Esquire.
“Years ago, there was a pretty specific focus on performance – weight, stack height, materials, colorways – to a well-known cohort of media. Today, representing a running brand is a lot more holistic,” Wright explains. “We have to take into consideration labor and sustainability efforts; representation and diversity among testers, athletes and models; circularity and materials – everything.”
In 2023, the firm established a pro-bono work arm called JEDI, which devotes time and skills to operations needing a public relations boost. To date, JEDI has supported eight brands and organizations, including the Running Industry Diversity Coalition.
Icebreaker #30
After starting as a Merino base layer brand in 1995, Icebreaker evolved and introduced new Merino innovations, many of which fueled the New Zealand-born brand’s move into the running category. There was Cool-Lite, a blend of Merino wool and Tencel Lyocell fibers maximizing breathability and wicking; the engineered body-mapped technology ZoneKnit, which strengthened Icebreaker’s running cred; and the 2024 launch of its Speed collection, which created a full head-to-toe kit of Icebreaker Merino products for runners.
And here’s a fun note: 19 years ago, Icebreaker became the first company in the world to print graphics on Merino wool.
Trak Shak #30
Valerie McLean opened the original Trak Shak in a Homewood, AL, home, eschewing the traditional retail space in favor of a house with a backyard for hosting training runs and cookouts.
“That’s where our culture was really formed,” current Trak Shak co-owner Jeff Martinez says.
The Shak’s quirky attitude and community ethos endures today, even as leaders ditched the original home in favor of a traditional commercial space in downtown Homewood and also expanded with two additional Birmingham area locations. To mark its 30th anniversary, for instance, Trak Shak hosted multiple vendors and a crowd of loyal fans at its Homewood store for a fun run complemented by a taco bar and frozen margaritas.
Martinez teases more of the same moving forward, while confirming Trak Shak will remain a local hub for training runs, a source of information for visitors looking for safe running routes and a trusted referral spot for doctors, physical therapists and trainers. There’s also a new summertime race series and a new trail series at a local park to further expand Trak Shak’s reach.
Runners Market #30
Just down the road from the University of Tennessee sits Runners Market, a staple of the Knoxville area running community.
Kevin and Samantha Pack started Runners Market in 1995 and adopted an employee-first, community-centric focus now executed by twin sons Tyler and Andrew. In addition to offering a thorough sit-and-fit experience and the latest running gear, the business has been a central force behind local road and trail races as well as a key supporter of the Knoxville Track Club.
“If you can capture the hearts of your employees as well as the hearts of your community, you can become a successful, sustainable shop,” says Emily Pack, Tyler Pack’s wife and a buyer at the store.
While Runners Marker typically celebrates its October 7 birthday with a once-a-year sale, it plans to blow out the celebration this fall with a week’s worth of activities at its newly renovated store, including group runs and a gathering with current and former staff members.
Portland Running Company #30
Rather than saying Portland Running Company (PRC) is celebrating its 30th birthday this year, Paula Harkin, who owns the Oregon-based running shop with her husband, Dave, prefers to say PRC is celebrating “30 years of passion and community.”
While the two-store operation understandably prides itself on being a premier destination for running and walking gear as well as battle-tested advice, it is even more focused on being a cornerstone of the local running community and a friendly, familiar face.
To wit, PRC added The Run Pub to its Northwest Portland store in 2020. At PRC + The Run Pub, the Harkins and their team host weekly group runs, events, workshops and viewing parties and invite customers to grab a shoe fitting and a local craft brew all at one stop. (Notably, PRC also added a connection to Strava whereby patrons can earn free beverages based on the miles they log.)
“We pride ourselves on greeting each person that walks through our doors like a family member,” Paula Harkin says. “Our goal is to personally connect with every single person and then provide the best service around.”
Salt Lake Running Company #30
Back in 1995, Guy and Debbie Perry opened Salt Lake Running Company (SLRC) with a rather pragmatic goal: to provide for their growing family. At the time, the couple, both 24, were expecting their first child and operating a run specialty shop represented a compelling, albeit risky, endeavor to accomplish that reasonable objective.
“I don’t think we had any idea what the future had in store for us and the growth that Salt Lake Running Company was going to go through over the next three decades,” Debbie Perry confesses.
The Perrys have made concentrated, calculated efforts to sharpen their business model and processes, evolving with changing times and technology and adapting to the consumer marketplace, including a strategic decision to invest in health and fitness over elite racing. It’s spurred impressive growth. Today, SLRC, a regular on the Best Running Stores list, operates four stores across the Salt Lake area.
As for that first child, well, Cade Perry is all grown up and flourishing in a leadership role at SLRC. He’s a part of the company’s next generation of ownership alongside Eli White, Daniel Jespersen and Sage Ducote.
“We have a great group of positive and hard-working people who are willing and excited to try new ideas, technology and processes that help our business operate more efficiently and increase the positive customer experience,” Debbie Perry says.
The North Face Summit Series #25
Inspired by rising demand for faster, lighter products coming from the growth of trail running and fastpacking in the 1990s, The North Face (TNF) launched the Summit Series in 2000 to represent the pinnacle of TNF product offerings – apparel, footwear and equipment proudly tested by daring athletes.
And over the last 25 years, TNF’s Summit Series has delivered. There’s been lighter and ultralight packable apparel with fast drying, highly breathable and sun protection properties; trail running footwear with enhanced cushioning and added propulsion, including both the Vectiv and Dream foam technologies; and heralded equipment like running packs comprised of soft stretch materials.
The Summit Series’ innovative edge has illuminated TNF’s product lineup, upped its credibility with running retailers and stirred lofty performances from its roster of elite athletes, who have collectively claimed a total of 23 Ultra-Trail du Mont-Blanc (UTMB) and Western States Endurance Run titles since 2000.
Hilton Head Running Company #25
At the Hilton Head Running Company (HHRC), owner Alfred Olivetti has learned one lesson over the last 25 years: Fun beats everything.
“People will pay for the fun. People will come back for the fun. And people appreciate the fun,” Olivetti says. “We create an environment where we are having fun and the customers see this and feed off it.”
At HHRC, Olivetti and his team live by the old adage, “Take your job serious but not yourself.” It translates into conversations with customers transcending footwear or apparel, perhaps over an adult beverage or two, a store logo featuring a smile and an Instagram feed prioritizing laughs over product promotion.
To be certain, though, HHRC practices business discipline. In overcoming a global recession, a worldwide pandemic and other twists and turns in independent retail, HHRC has developed a razor-sharp focus on its service and product assortment to bolster performance. That discipline has emboldened Olivetti to contemplate another location, additional community offerings and ways to enliven its existing events.
Running Wild #25
Over the last quarter century, Running Wild has established itself as the Gulf Coast’s go-to run specialty shop, with locations in Pensacola, FL, and Fairhope, AL. Founded by Paul and Cherie Epstein, Dominick “Dom” Zambrano took the reins last year and embraced the “significant responsibility to be a faithful steward of Running Wild.”
“My favorite way to describe [the ownership change] has been: ‘same car, new engine,’” Zambrano says.
He and his team continue to espouse Running Wild’s four core values – Connect, Equip, Inspire and Encourage – through lively community events, a thoughtfully curated product selection, taking the well-known “Cheetah Bus” to community partners and ambitious endeavors like a 67-mile, store-to-store relay and an upcoming 25th birthday bash featuring custom merchandise, legal graffiti art, a beer mile and more.
“Since our founding, Running Wild has … evolved from a ‘mom and pop run shop’ into a central hub for our community,” Zambrano says. “It turns out that if you treat people with respect, show genuine care for their lives and offer quality products tailored to their specific needs, they share their experiences with friends and become returning customers.”
Charlotte Running Company #25
Charlotte Running Company (CRC) founder Scott Dvorak and his leadership team at the North Carolina-based operation live by two important mantras: passion fuels purpose and empowering employees amplifies success. He calls passionate employees who genuinely love running and connecting with the community CRC’s greatest asset and a key driver of its success, which includes winning the Best Running Store in America award in 2021.
“By giving employees the freedom to take ownership – whether through curating personalized customer experiences, leading group runs or suggesting innovative ideas – you foster a culture of trust and creativity,” Dvorak says. “A sustainable shop thrives when employees feel empowered to channel their passion into every interaction, creating a vibrant, community-driven business that stands out in a competitive market.”
Today, CRC’s strong, specialized team includes a marketing director overseeing digital and social platforms, a business development coordinator focused on outreach and growth, a designated footwear and apparel buying team, a finance director and defined leadership at each of CRC’s four locations. Learning the value of efficiency and the power of honoring each team member’s unique skill set has propelled CRC’s impressive evolution.
But CRC is far from done. This year, the company is refining its inventory mix with products from new brands, updating its store merchandising and optimizing floor space to elevate the customer experience.
“After 25 years in business, we’ve found our stride, and our continued growth has been a blessing,” Dvorak says.
Naperville Running Co. #25
Naperville Running Co. hasn’t reached its 25th anniversary, claimed two Best Running Store in America awards (2009, 2013) and grown to four retail shops by accident. The first step, NRC owner Kris Hartner says, was relentless attention to every detail to ensure a profitable business. The next step was taking a broad (or omnichannel) approach to community.
“You can’t ignore community at the start – it’s critical – but you need to do that in the most grassroots and cost-effective ways possible,” Hartner says. “Then, as you gain strength and reputation, you can begin to better invest in your staff, make more meaningful connections with the running community, invest more time in your local business and neighborhood organizations, collaborate with fellow retailers and refine the way you interface and partner with your vendors.”
Continuity has also brightened NRC’s star as well. The average length of staff employment at NRC is more than seven years and four team members have been with the business for at least 18 years, Hartner says. Adding three additional storefronts to the NRC flagship, meanwhile, has provided growth and advancement opportunities for many of those long-term employees, including three (Kyle Brady, Nick Hird and Marisa Hird) who will become business partners in 2027 following the terms of a thoughtfully constructed 10-year plan.
“I can’t think of a better way to ensure that Naperville Running Co. continues to thrive for decades to come,” Hartner says.
Varsity Sports #25
When Jenni Peters, a multi-time U.S. Olympic Marathon Trials qualifier and director of marketing for Louisiana State University Athletics, opened the first Varsity Sports 25 years ago in Baton Rouge, LA, it was more passion project than business. But quickly, Varsity Sports took on a life of its own and became a household name in Tiger Country. Peters’ marketing savvy included housing Varsity Sports locations – there are now four – inside converted homes and handing out a Varsity Sports tee with every shoe purchase.
“Those two things aren’t just quirks; they’re core to our vibe,” Peters says. “The house setting instantly makes people feel at ease. It’s not a sterile retail environment. It’s cozy, familiar and full of character. And the tee? It’s our way of saying, ‘Welcome to the family.’”
Peters says she doesn’t much worry about upsells or performance quotas, preferring instead to lead with her heart and intuition and entrusting her team members to follow. It’s worked for a quarter century and she sees no reason to change her stripes now.
“We’ve spent the last 25 years keeping things fresh, creative and a little unexpected – that’s kind of our thing,” Peters says.
Brooks Adrenaline GTS #25
In its 1994 Fall Shoe Buyer’s Guide, Runner’s World described the inaugural Adrenaline as “a good option” for runners “who need a motion-control shoe, but not maximum control.”
That $80 Adrenaline and its subsequent iterations, of course, became far more than “a good option.” The Adrenaline became the option for hordes of runners around the world and helped power Brooks’ 21st century renaissance. In fact, former Brooks CEO Jim Weber once called the award-winning fourth version of the Adrenaline “the shoe that saved Brooks.”
The Adrenaline’s success on the road spawned a trail sibling, the Adrenaline ASR, and a virtually identical neutral sister shoe called the Defyance. Though both models have since vanished from the Brooks catalog, the Adrenaline endures. Version 25 drops later this fall.
Saucony Hurricane #25
At a time when few performance running shoes hit the $100 mark, Saucony made a bold bet when it introduced the 3D Grid Hurricane back in 1997. Promising maximum cushioning alongside maximum stability, the Hurricane’s initial marketing campaign carried the tagline “Don’t Stop Training!”
In spite of its hefty price point, admittedly modest by today’s performance running standards, the Hurricane immediately impressed. Of the debut Hurricane, Women’s Sports & Fitness footwear reviewer Sarah Bowen Shea said: “The Hurricane blows away much of the competition. It’s rare for a stability shoe to feel as fast as this one does.”
While the Hurricane disappeared from Saucony’s performance run lineup in 2022, its departure was short-lived. Saucony resurrected the Hurricane in 2024 due to strong consumer demand and its 25th edition dropped into run specialty shops earlier this summer.
Run With Us #25
Ask Peter and Maria Van Gansen what’s fueled their Pasadena, CA-based running shop, Run With Us, to its 25th birthday and there’s no hesitation in the reply.
“Community involvement,” Peter Van Gansen says.
From day one, Run With Us teamed up with local running clubs such as the Pasadena Pacers, led clinics for local high school track and cross-country programs and got involved with local races. For 20 years, the Run With Us Monday Fun Run has been a calendar staple, while the shop’s competitive Race Team, partnerships with local medical practices and an active social media presence, including 9000 Instagram followers, have powered ongoing growth.
And then there’s this: When wildfires tore through Los Angeles earlier this year, Run With Us paused its 25th birthday party plans and instead organized a large-scale community event. On January 19, the store’s parking lot became a distribution spot for more than 800 free pairs of shoes as well as clothing and apparel to individuals affected by the wildfires.
2XU #20
Since its 2005 launch, 2XU (pronounced Two Times You) has been focused on performance science and helping athletes – from elites to weekend warriors – achieve their goals. The Australian-born brand’s intense focus on athletes has helped the company blossom from a niche compression label into a globally recognized performance brand with a product lineup featuring a diverse lineup of tops, bottoms, socks and accessories.
While initially focused on triathlon, 2XU now calls running one of its most advanced and evolved categories with purpose-built products designed for movement over miles. The brand’s running items include technologies such as ventilation, bonded seams and stretch-mapped fabrics to minimize friction and maximize feel.
“The result is a system designed not just for runners, but for the rhythm of running itself, from the first stride to recovery,” 2XU chairman Harry Markl says.
Fleet Feet Stockton #20
Fleet Feet Stockton (CA) owner Alicia Farnsworth grew up in Stockton and leverages her intense passion for the Central Valley to ensure a warm, inviting atmosphere dominates her run specialty shop. Farnsworth’s Stockton loyalty and community ethos shines in the store’s active Tuesday Night Run Club, on Thanksgiving morning with the two decades-old Run Against Hunger and on the Second Saturday Coffee Run series done in conjunction with nearby Culebra Coffee.
Now, Farnsworth, who took over as owner last October after 13 years managing the store for founder Tony Vice, is plotting next steps. She recently updated the store’s interior and is working to resurrect training programs and develop new partnerships for local runs.
Fleet Feet Madison #20
Jessica and Matt Anderson attribute their 10-year run at Fleet Feet Madison (WI) to two things.
First, avoiding complacency, whether with products, training programs, the sit-and-fit experience or store operations. For instance, high-tech 3D scans have replaced the old-school Brannock device, while a point-of-sale system that once collected a customer’s name now captures a range of personal data, including purchase history, to inform service and marketing.
And second, hiring energetic team members who embrace diverse activities in their own lives.
“Some are great coaches, others are creative. Some are great with inventory and numbers, others are extremely organized,” Jessica Anderson says.
Those ingredients empowered the Andersons to expand with a second Fleet Feet shop in nearby Sun Prairie, WI, in 2014 and also pushed Fleet Feet Madison to its 20th birthday this year.
Veja #20
Veja was founded in 2005 on the idea that sustainability and footwear design could go hand in hand. After initially proving that concept with its chic lifestyle footwear, Veja moved into the performance running world in 2019 when it introduced the Condor after four years of intense research and development.
“Running is a democratic sport, but it’s also a space saturated with plastic-heavy, tech-forward products that often lack transparency,” Veja sport development manager Jean Pourrat tells Running Insight. “We wanted to show that it’s possible to make a technical running shoe with a radically different approach combining innovation, performance and ecological materials.”
Now in its third iteration, the Condor has earned impressive plaudits from top running shoe reviewers, which has elevated Veja’s standing in a competitive marketplace.
“We had to earn our credibility, step by step. That meant a lot of listening, iterating constantly and being okay with not getting it perfect on day one,” Pourrat says.
At the most recent Paris Marathon Expo, where Veja had a booth for the second consecutive year, Pourrat said he heard people over and over again express surprise that Veja made running shoes. The comments could’ve deflated the Veja team; instead, they inspired.
While that might sound like we still have awareness to build, for us it was a huge milestone,” Pourrat says. “It means we’re starting to bridge the gap. People are discovering that performance and purpose can exist in the same product.”
Runners Plus #20
Runners Plus opened in Dayton, OH, in 2005 as a division of an existing sports specialty business called Soccer Plus. Under one roof with a shared checkout, each business nevertheless had its own defined retail space. The early success of Runners Plus led leadership to introduce two standalone Runners Plus retail spaces in Dayton. After managing the Runners Plus division for 15 years, Eric Contreras purchased the run specialty business last year, spinning it away from Soccer Plus to operate it as a distinct entity.
“At a certain point, it really just made sense to approach the owners about transitioning the Runners Plus business. Soccer Plus has been in business for 41 years under the same ownership and this was a good exit strategy for the part of the business that was managed and understood best by me,” Contreras says.
Now, Contreras is penning the next chapter in the Runners Plus story. He recently oversaw a rebranding to modernize the Runners Plus image and also began unveiling a series of digital shorts featuring key members of the company’s history.
“The risk/reward of ownership is enticing and I’m looking forward to the next phase of Runners Plus,” he says.
Up and Running #20
Following a family legacy in entrepreneurship, Susie Stein launched Up and Running in September 2005. Originally a women’s-only store, Stein quickly shifted her Dayton, OH, shop to serve men, too, as women asked for their husbands, sons and friends to be fit. That responsiveness, Stein says, has fueled Up and Running’s two-decades long run, which includes a 2024 Best Running Store in America finalist nod.
“Our success isn’t just about margins or inventory. It’s about building trust,” Stein says.
Up and Running’s human touch includes creating a friendly environment that diminishes the intimidation factor, characterized by learning about people’s lives and fitness goals and sending handwritten thank you notes or good luck messages to customers.
“People may come in for the product, but they stay loyal because of the experience and connection,” says Stein, who opened a second Up and Running in nearby Troy, OH, in 2011.
Stein brings that spirit beyond her two shops as well, taking Up and Running staff and inventory on the road to schools, hospitals, factories and other local businesses.
“Everyone deserves comfort, so we travel to our customer,” she says.
Red Rock Running Company #20
High school math teacher-turned-running retailer Mark Jimenez calls “embodying your vision” critical to success in the run specialty game.
“Without a vision, you’re a ship without a rudder going whichever direction the current takes you. It’s important to have a vision, giving you a clear path forward,” says Jimenez, who took the helm of Las Vegas-based Red Rock Running Company in March 2018.
Jimenez’s vision has fueled Red Rock’s impressive ascent, including a 285 percent sales increase since he took the reins back in 2018. In the last three years alone, Jimenez has overseen four buildouts, two new stores and two remodels. With ambition and diligence, he and his team have established Red Rock as Sin City’s dominant run specialty name.
“We take success one customer at a time,” says Jimenez, who has also been a driving force behind the Run Specialty Cooperative, an upstart group of independent store owners aiming to realize the economic, cultural and social needs of the organization’s members and their surrounding communities.
Jimenez, it seems, is always cooking up ideas to bolster performance, such as a current effort to partner with local hospitals and casinos to work hand in hand with Las Vegas’ large service industry.
“Who knows what the future will bring,” Jimenez says.
Bozeman Running Company #15
Montana-based Bozeman Running Company (BRC) owner Casey Jermyn attributes his decade-and-a-half retail turn to two key factors.
First, “relentless efforts” in support of the local community and local non-profits. From brew runs and dynamic fundraising events to partnerships with other downtown businesses and championing youth running, BRC’s community-centric work has led to awards and attention.
“I feel like doing this consistently over the years has really built up a loyal customer base and the support of BRC does not go unnoticed,” Jermyn says.
And second, evolving the retail experience to serve customer needs. Early on, BRC was heavily invested in road running and paid little attention to the trail side. As the market increasingly embraced trail running, however, BRC listened and responded with more trail footwear and accessories such as trekking poles, hydration vets and gaiters as well as trail running events.
Jermyn is now applying the same customer-first principles to drive BRC’s sister store, Flathead Running Company in downtown Kalispell, MT. Flathead’s Grand Opening weekend last May included a Ladies Night, a social brew run and a Saturday morning Pilates class.
Tri-State Running Company #15
After starting in a small Edgewood, KY, storefront in 2010, Tri-State Running Company has tripled the footprint of its flagship store and added sister stores in Florence, KY, and Cincinnati. Owner Cameron Simoneau reflects on the two main retail lessons he’s learned over the last 15 years in the run specialty game:
“The first one is simple but can be difficult to execute: Don’t fall in love with product. Sell what people want, not what you like,” he says.
And second, Simoneau continues, “Your employees are your most important asset. Hire people passionate about not just running, but more importantly the company and the team. Hire people who are committed to the long-term vision and want to be part of the success of the team and business.”
A Runner’s Mind #15
Over the last 15 years, A Runner’s Mind (ARM) has evolved from a small corner store in Burlingame, CA, with a few footwear brands on the wall into two Bay Area storefronts, a deep and thoughtfully curated mix of footwear and apparel brands and a 2024 Best Running Store in America finalist nod.
General manager Eileen Urtz attributes ARM’s success to ongoing curiosity, a persistent problem-solving ethos and an enthusiastic executive leadership team filled with individuals who started on the sales floor and matured in the business side by side.
“Our strength as a team comes from knowing where we’ve been and supporting each other on our journey to where we are now,” Urtz says.
ARM will mark its 15th anniversary next month with a community party featuring brand partners, relays on the track, a bouncy house (or two), local artist-designed tees, music and great food.
Red Coyote Running and Fitness #15
When Jon and Burke Beck launched Red Coyote Running and Fitness in Oklahoma City 15 years ago, they wanted to build a welcoming environment in which anyone could find a friend to run or walk with throughout the week. The store’s first Pack Pint Run back in 2010 started with five people. Today, weekly Pack Pint Runs will top 250 participants in a city once labeled America’s least fit city by the American College of Sports Medicine.
But the Becks didn’t stop there, creating social groups, training programs, unique events and more to connect people and inspire movement.
“The community supports all the crazy ideas we have and always comes back for more,” says Jon Beck, adding that about 20 brand loyalists have inked themselves with the Red Coyote logo. “We thought just seeing [our logo] on a T-shirt or car sticker in the beginning was amazing and now it is forever.”
The Becks’ ambition has stimulated impressive growth, including a larger, 5500-square-foot shop in OKC as well as additional storefronts in Edmond and Norman, OK. The Becks have also taken considerable pride in pushing capable, talented team members to pursue their goals and grow in the industry.
“The more we can help, the better the industry will be in the future,” Jon Beck says.
Runaround Running & Lifestyle #15
Powered by entrepreneurial instincts, an interest in shoe culture and his own distance running-fueled, 100-pound weight loss journey, Erik Bartlett crafted plans for a shoe store in his hometown of Joplin, MO. With assistance from his local Small Business Development Center as well as guidance from Manhattan Running Company owners Ben Sigle and Trey Vernon, Bartlett turned the seed of an idea into brick-and-mortar reality with Runaround Running & Lifestyle.
A year into business, however, unexpected tragedy struck. An EF5 tornado ripped through Joplin and left much of the 53,000-resident town in shambles, including Bartlett’s home. Amid the devastation, Runaround became a force for good, donating shoes and apparel to tornado victims right on the store’s front sidewalk with help from vendors like Brooks and Mizuno.
“Above all, we did it to be a good neighbor, but it did get people familiar with our store,” Bartlett says.
Over the subsequent years, Runaround has become one of Joplin’s leading independent retailers, diversifying its inventory mix into the lifestyle category with items from brands such as OluKai, lululemon and Vuori, moving into a sleek 5000-square-foot building on historic Route 66 and mimicking the high-performance elements found at an upscale restaurant, such as elite hospitality and refined systems and processes.
“Listening to the customer, being open to change and consistently providing an elevated level of service, that’s been our recipe for success,” Bartlett says.
Recover Brands #15
A bike ride in the North Carolina mountains inspired the idea of creating a holistically sustainable apparel company. The initial concept was simple: Instead of adding more waste to the planet, use materials and resources already available in the marketplace to create high-quality, durable products with low environmental impact.
Fifteen years later, Recover Brands continues executing on that mission. Within its hyperlocal supply chains, every Recover product is made with third-party certified materials and designed to be recyclable at the end of its life. With its 360° Closed Loop Apparel Recycling Program, Recover takes back old T-shirts and recycles them back into the supply chain to create new gear.
Along the way, the Charlotte-based company has donated more than $300,000 to environmental causes, become the official race merchandise supplier of major events, such as the Marine Corps Marathon and Big Sur International Marathon, and debuted new products and fabrics to diversify its product lineup.
“Recover is constantly innovating to increase quality while decreasing environmental impact,” Recover marketing director Adam Bratton says.
On #15
Over the last 15 years, On has soared from a Swiss Alps-born upstart with a novel approach to footwear design – one flowing from experimentation with a garden hose, no less – into a globally recognized brand and innovative force in the performance running world, and one with an eye tuned toward sustainability.
To wit, On debuted LightSpray last summer. LightSpray creates ultra-light, one-piece shoe uppers in three minutes with an automated robotic arm. The process, inspired by a web-spinning Halloween decoration, reduces carbon emissions by 75 percent compared to On’s other racing shoe uppers.
“It’s incredible to be a part of a brand that allows curiosity to take the lead,” says Dan Schade, general manager, Americas, at On.
At the Paris Olympics last summer, On athlete Hellen Obiri captured a bronze in the women’s marathon while sporting the Cloudboom Strike LS (LightSpray). Notably, Obiri was one of 65 On athletes who participated in the Paris Olympics, a testament to the brand’s athlete-centric focus and its fast rise as a global athletics powerhouse.
To mark its 15th year, On debuted its SOFT WINS campaign in February. The quirky, Elmo-featuring effort challenges the go-hard mentality of training in favor of a more balanced approach to running. It coincided with the release of the Cloudsurfer 2, an evolution of the first Cloudsurfer model the brand introduced 15 years ago.
“It’s a true full-circle moment,” says Schade, who promises continued investment in the running community and making cutting-edge shoe technology accessible to more runners.
Legends Running Shop #10
When Legends Running Shop launched a decade ago in Angola, IN, manager Natalie Seibert says vendors hesitated to open the store, fearing there wasn’t enough demand in the Indiana town with fewer than 10,000 residents. As a result, Legends debuted with four footwear brands and 37 total SKUs.
But loyal customers, word-of-mouth referrals and an enterprising mindset powered Legends’ rise into a stable operation, a destination shop and a running hub in Indiana’s northeast corner. The store’s footwear SKU count has tripled and Legends’ customer base continues swelling.
This year, Legends resurrected the Monument City Classic 10K, which will serve as the RRCA State Championship 10K race. The store will also celebrate its 10th anniversary in November at its annual Thanksgiving race, the cleverly named Thighs B4 Pies.
RNK Running and Walking #10
RNK Running and Walking co-owner and managing partner Trent Briney calls “heart” RNK’s differentiator – and that heart, he says, comes from a group of considerate, patient and empathetic staff members who prioritize genuine interactions, practice earnest service and promote healthy living at RNK’s two suburban Denver stores (Parker and Castle Rock, CO).
“RNK doesn’t build teams by chasing résumés,” RNK co-owner Jim Browning adds. “We hire for attitude, teach the technical and empower people to serve. That matters because when someone walks in with a goal, a pain or a dream, they’re not looking for a transaction; they’re looking for someone who actually cares.”
And that culture isn’t just talk, Browning continues. Framed at each store’s checkout is a sign that reads: “Return Policy: You = Happy.”
“No fine print, no hassle. Just full trust and full effort,” Browning says.
And while RNK has grown – more vendors, more locations, more events and more reach over the last decade – it has retained its neighborhood feel, servant mentality and customer-centric ethos.
“RNK is still the place where someone remembers your name, your dog, your last race and how your ankle was bugging you last fall,” Briney says. “That consistency, paired with smart growth and deep community roots, is what keeps people coming back and telling their friends.”
Mudroom Backpacks #10
Cycling to work, David Deioma tired of funk and debris from his workout gear contaminating work items. So, Deioma teamed with designer Brett Harris to devise a solution – a backpack designed to hold a pair of shoes separately from electronics and personal items. Then, he founded Mudroom Backpacks to bring the creation to the masses.
Today, the company’s patented flagship product, the Quartable 18L, is carried at run specialty shops across the country and has emerged a favorite of elite athletes and everyday commuters alike. Deioma, meanwhile, continues refining materials and design, including adding a patented, integrated rain cover in the carrying handle.
Hoka Clifton #10
Initially known for its clunky, max-cushioned shoes, including road models like the Bondi, Hoka One One – as it was known a decade ago – broke into fresh territory with the 2014 release of the Clifton.
The original Clifton, which Runner’s World described as “a pillowy soft shoe that’s suitable for race day,” was designed to balance cushioning, weight and speed. The innovative model paired Hoka’s signature cushioned midsole – albeit a touch less beefy version – with a lighter, more responsive upper defined by thin, welded-on overlays.
Runners embraced the Clifton and the model’s popularity contributed to Hoka’s global rise. Last year, Fleet Feet named the Clifton the top-selling shoe in its system, and the recently released 10th edition promises to continue the Clifton’s strong legacy.
RunAbout Sports Roanoke #10
Whether it’s flexible schedules to help employees with children balance their responsibilities or bringing in new products to meet evolving community needs, adaptability has been critical to RunAbout Sports’ 10-year run in Roanoke, VA, according to co-owner Ally Bowersock.
But so, too, has an enterprising, opportunistic mindset propelled RunAbout Sports. For instance, the store has partnered with a regional realtor association to establish itself as a resource for folks moving to the area, teamed with local job placement organizations to provide occupational training opportunities for adults with special abilities and crafted a running and reading program in collaboration with the public library.
And Bowersock, enthusiastic and entrepreneurial, has no plans on slowing down as her store enters its second decade. RunAbout is beginning to develop its own races to energize and spotlight Virginia’s Blue Ridge region.
Fleet Feet Mechanicsburg #10
Marketing plan? Shelby Joslyn says there was no such thing back in 2015 when she and her husband, Fred, opened a temporary “pop-up” shop while buildout continued for the eventual home of Fleet Feet Mechanicsburg (PA). It was a slow start until both Fred and Shelby Joslyn captured top honors in the Harrisburg Marathon that November. The victories delivered the couple an unexpected platform to spotlight their upstart running store.
A decade later, the Joslyns have hustled ahead, opening additional Fleet Feet units in Harrisburg and York, PA, and developing a leadership team that has thrust the operation forward.
“Our full-time leadership team is the secret sauce to our business growth and evolution,” Shelby Joslyn says. “To have leaders focused on marketing, purchasing and staff development is important for our whole team to thrive.”
Run Newport #10
When Adam Stadel and Ben Barlow launched Run Newport in Newport, RI, a decade ago, Barlow says the ambitious goal was “to become the most authentic running store in the nation.” Every step along the way, the business partners have tried to remain true to that goal, eschewing the latest fads or chasing other retailers in favor of honest service to the customer, creative events and earnest collaboration with vendors as well as other local operations.
The flagship store’s now-annual Prom Run – a formal-attire themed jaunt to the town’s waterfront gazebo the same day as the local high school’s prom – demonstrates Run Newport’s silly streak while events like the Haunted Ghost Tour Run with a professional tour guide and a Brooks Ghost tie-in showcase Run Newport’s shrewd creative spirit.
Adding a second store in Providence, RI, is a testament to Run Newport’s resonance as well as leadership’s willingness to experiment, grow and refine activities.
“We still have so much to learn,” Stadel says. “It is our goal to continue to try to be the most authentic store and the best partner for our brands. We are excited for the future and up for the challenge.”
Fleet Feet Mobile #10
Like many new run specialty store operators, Fleet Feet Mobile (AL) operator Marjorie Rockwell was intimately involved in every aspect of her fledgling business at the start, from outfitting customers and organizing events to coaching, purchasing and human resources. Over the years, though, Rockwell has learned to delegate and discovered efficiencies and joy in doing so.
“It’s been wonderful to see our team members develop their careers with us,” Rockwell says.
But two things haven’t changed, Rockwell says: Fleet Feet Mobile’s genuine commitment to customers and the store’s RUNMOB logo, a popular symbol sported by people all over the Mobile area.
“It seems we struck gold with that catchy tagline and the strong sense of identity it fostered within our community,” Rockwell says.
Recently, Rockwell’s husband, Micaiah, invested in a customized trailer to offer more premium, out-of-store experiences and workplace fitting services. Growing that aspect of the business is a priority moving forward, Rockwell says.
“In our industry, it’s so important to stay forward thinking and adapt to the ever-changing landscape,” she says.
Run Hub Northwest #10
Leading with strong community engagement and an attentive, relationship-focused customer experience, Run Hub Northwest has become a run specialty standout in Eugene, OR – Tracktown, USA. The shop has earned six consecutive Best Running Store in America honors, including a top four finalist nod in 2022.
While Run Hub owner Dustin Pearce says his running store’s DNA hasn’t changed much over the last decade, the indie shop has, in Pearce’s words, “put its big boy pants on” over recent years and matured. That evolution, natural for many growing small businesses, includes offering health benefits to staff, increasing wages, developing a mission and vision statement and creating an employee handbook.
Heading into Run Hub’s second decade, Pearce is now prepared to push the pace and continue strengthening the operation. He is in talks with his landlord about expanding Run Hub’s footprint within its existing building while also exploring expansion outside of Eugene, including potential acquisitions.
“Nothing formal on either of these fronts, but exciting possibilities, no less,” Pearce says.
