Best Running Stores of 2024

Congratulations to the 2024 Store of the Year!

=PR= Run & Walk!

Each year, the Best Running Stores awards program recognizes and celebrates leading run specialty retailers across the US. With a passionate commitment to their communities, employees, customers, and the industry, these stores exemplify what makes run specialty so special.

In 2024, The Running Event team received more than 15,000 nominations representing nearly 270 unique US stores, showcasing the endless amount of talent and passion within run specialty. The 2024 Best Running Stores excelled throughout all areas of the program’s months-long evaluation process.

“We’re honored and humbled to be named the 2024 Store of the Year! Running is about more than miles—it’s about finding our people, our community, and creating connections that last a lifetime. Life is better when we lift each other up, and this industry’s collaborative spirit proves we’re all stronger together.”

Cathy & Ray Pugsley

Owners, =PR= Run & Walk

Meet the 2024 Best Running Stores!

605 Running Company

A Runner’s Mind

A Snail’s Pace Running Shop

Aardvark Sports Shop

AKtive Soles Performance Footwear

Appalachian Running Company

Big Peach Running Co.

Bull City Running Co.

Charlotte Running Company

Charm City Run

Coastal Sole

Columbus Running Company

Confluence Running

Fleet Feet Carrboro & Durham

Fleet Feet Charleston

Fleet Feet Fayetteville

Fleet Feet Fort Wayne

Fleet Feet Fox Valley

Fleet Feet Louisville

Fleet Feet Montclair

Fleet Feet Nashville

Fleet Feet Northern New Jersey

Fleet Feet West Reading

Game Changers Running Company

Gazelle Sports

Get Fit

Good Times Running Co.

Grounded Running

Howe2Run

iRun Texas

John’s Run/Walk Shop

Mill City Running

Naperville Running

Pacers Running

Palmetto Running Company

Performance Running Outfitters

Philadelphia Runner

Playmakers

Point 2 Running Company

=PR= Run & Walk

Pro Bike + Run

RC Outfitters

Red Coyote Running and Fitness

Ridgefield Running Company

Run Hub Northwest

Run Moore

RunAbout Sports

Runner’s Edge NY

Runners Roost Lakewood-Colorado

Running Etc.

Running Lab

Running Zone

RunWell, LLC

Salt Lake Running Company

Sole Sports Running Zone

Terra Running Company

The Runner’s Edge MT

The Running Well Store

Tortoise & Hare Sports

Track Shack

Up and Running in Dayton

Waco Running Company

Whirlaway Sports Center

Are you a 2024 winning store? Access promotional materials here.

Overview

Nominated stores undergo a rigorous evaluation process. When nominations close and evaluation forms are reviewed, the top 100 stores are selected and then secret shopped. Through a combination of these scores, the 2024 Best Running Stores and Store of the Year will be determined. For more information about the evaluation process or criteria, please contact us.
Winning stores are announced July 11.
The Store of the Year will revealed live at a special celebration during The Running Event 2024.

Timeline

Nominations Deadline: Thursday, March 21, 2024 (Closed)
Winners notified: Thursday, July 11, 2024
Reception: After honoring all 2024 winners, the Store of the Year will be announced during the Industry Awards Dinner Thursday, November 21 at The Running Event.

Eligibility

Any run specialty retail store in the US is eligible.
All industry professionals, brands, retail customers, and store employees are welcome to submit nominations.