Running Insight 9.1.17 by Running Insight

Shoes for Houston Effort Underway

he run specialty industry is responding quickly to the devastation caused by Hurricane Harvey in the Houston area. Shoes for Houston is a relief effort by Fleet Feet Sports to collect new and gently-used shoes and new socks for those affected and displaced by Hurricane Harvey. Although Fleet Feet is spearheading this effort, the store group says it welcomes any donations by any store that would like to participate. Fleet Feet has asked that all donations be sent to: Fleet Feet Sports Attn: SHOE DONATIONS 7322 Jones Maltsberger Road, #152 San Antonio, TX 78209 Staff at the San Antonio location will work with staff at the Fleet Feet Sports locations in Houston to facilitate distribution of all collected items. When shipping gently-used pairs: • Tie shoes together • Label heels with gender and size (i.e. M9 or W10.5)

Fleet Feet has asked that all donations be sent to:

SHOE DONATIONS 7322 Jones Maltsberger Road, #152 San Antonio, TX 78209

RUNNING INSIGHT® is a registered trademark of Formula4Media, LLC. © 2017 all rights reserved. Running Insight is published twice each month, is edited for owners and top executives at running specialty stores and available only via email.The opinions by authors and contributors to Running Insight are not necessarily those of the editors or publishers. Articles appearing in Running Insight may not be reproduced in whole or in part without the express permission of the publisher. Formula4Media, LLC, P.O. Box 23-1318, Great Neck, NY 11023. Tel: 516-305-4709.

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When shipping all items: • If possible, please ship genders separated and label each box (men’s, women’s, or youth) • If you send apparel, please ship in a separate box marked “Apparel” If stores are looking for suggested social media copy, Fleet Feet has recommended the following: As part of a coordinated relief effort, stores across the country are now accepting donations of new or gently-used running shoes and new socks to send to running stores in Texas. @FleetFeetSports of Greater Houston and @FleetFeetSports San Antonio will work to get these shoes and socks to organizations and people in need. Our thoughts remain with the people, communities, and businesses affected by Hurricane Harvey and the flooding taking place in its aftermath. #shoesforhouston n

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“What attracted us to this business in the first place was that we saw it was about a passionate group of people who love running,” BRAD HOLTMEIER CRITICALPOINT

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hen Finish Line owned the Run Specialty Group, the giant mall retailer was roundly criticized for not understanding the importance of community connections in the run specialty channel. That mindset has changed under the ownership of CriticalPoint Capital, which bought the newly christened JackRabbit Sports business from Finish Line at the end of February. “What attracted us to this business in the first place was that we saw it was about a passionate group of people who love running,” said Brad Holtmeier, a partner at CriticalPoint. “These people understand the sport and the product and we really saw this as a retail business that offered a real difference to consumers than buying online.” Since closing on the business at the end of February, CriticalPoint has refined the store portfolio to 62 doors. Twelve of those 62 have been converted to JackRabbit branding and the plans are to convert the remaining stores by the end of 2018. The majority of the 62 stores are operating profitably, according to Holtmeier, and CriticalPoint

would like to expand the store count through additional acquisitions. “We’d like to go denser in markets where we already exist,” he said. And as reported previously in Running Insight, CCP has reached out to store owners in Kansas City and Michigan where it has existing doors. Holtmeier said CCP’s home state of California is also a target as are “markets where we may not be, but a passionate running community exists.” Holtmeier confirmed that CriticalPoint has called stores looking to potentially acquire them and wants to “transact on a friendly basis.” “We’ve launched a reach out and want to talk to stores,” he told Running Insight. “It Depends on where stores are in their lifecycles of their business as to whether it makes sense to sell. Some store owners may be looking to retire or do something else and in that case, it makes sense to look at selling. Others may want the option of being an employee rather than an owner and we’d like to talk with those folks, too.” Holtmeier said CriticalPoint would be interested in buying stores and retaining the previous owners as employees because “those people have expertise in their communities and have relationships with the customers.”

Photo: Frank James

New JackRabbit Owner Looks to Acquire More Stores and Refine Web Business

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New JackRabbit Owner Looks to Acquire More Stores (continued)

There are more than 60 stores in the store group. At right: a screenshot of the JackRabbit website from this past week.

In addition to looking at potential acquisitions, CriticalPoint is also looking at developing JackRabbit’s web business, which Holtmeier regards as a critical advantage in today’s marketplace. “Our shoppers can buy online or they can buy in the store. The web is also a great way to develop new customers and drive them into stores.” By the first quarter of 2018, JackRabbit plans to offer consumers the ability to buy online and pick up in a store. Industry observers have commented that JackRabbit’s website messaging has been largely promotional in nature, but Holtmeier said that’s not the long term strategy. “We want to let people know we are here and going forward you’ll see us rely less on promotion and more on the quality of the products we sell.” (Note: In the month of August, this writer received 13 e-mails from JackRabbit. Five of them emphasized price,

discounts or markdowns, the other eight highlighted product, brands or education.) In an e-mail to Running Insight, JackRabbit president Bill Kirkendall said the website will focus on: a. New customer acquisition. b. Improved conversion and increased purchase frequency. c. Mobile first. d. Improved customer site experience. e. Expanded premium merchandise assortment. Between the web business and the contracting retail landscape, Holtmeier is bullish on the run channel. “As the industry pairs down, business at those remaining stores that cater to the local community will pick up,” he said. Having scale would allow them to be more competitive in their markets. “We offer enough scale to make an impression with their customers and vendors,” said Holtmeier. n

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Georgia Game Changers aims to offer a unique run retail experience to its community.

How a Southern Georgia Running Shop is Changing the Game By Daniel P. Smith

Ron and Sandra Elliott, owners of Georgia Game Changers.

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ugging the western edge of the Ogeechee River in southeastern Georgia, the city of Richmond Hill, GA, delivers a quiet, family friendly dose of Southern charm to its 12,000 residents. Settled in 1734, it would be another 228 years before Richmond Hill incorporated and another generation before U.S. Army personnel Ron and Sandra Elliott would arrive in Richmond Hill with their triplet children – Amanda, Alexandra and Josh. Today, the Elliotts have helped to elevate

Richmond Hill with Georgia Game Changers, their novel running specialty shop and America’s 50 Best Running Store-honoree that continues to flourish in the face of industry headwinds and even conventional wisdom. Changing the game In 2012, on the opening day of the London Olympics, Georgia Game Changers introduced itself to Richmond Hill. The Elliotts – Sandra, a retired physical therapist with the U.S. Army, and Ron, a public affairs officer with the U.S. Army, married now 26 years – held modest expectations for their

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Changing the Game (continued) From the get-go, the store’s mission was to “change the game.” Their inventory, filled with niche brands like Altra, Newton and inov-8, reflected their differentiated approach. “Most people said they had never had an experience like this. We were accomplishing just what we set out to do and we were gaining a loyal following.” SANDRA ELLIOTT OWNER, GEORGIA GAME CHANGERS

1,400-square foot store tucked on Richmond Hill’s Exchange Street. “Honestly,” Ron says, “we thought it would be Sandra and maybe one or one-and-a-half employees.” Opened as a natural running store, a designation motivated not by the accelerating minimalism trend, but rather Sandra’s own life-changing experience with natural running, her careful, professional study of its merits and her work with injured soldiers, the Elliotts were confident they had the knowledge and service mentality to succeed even without the big brands on their footwear wall. “With my experience and research, I felt I knew things about gait, fitness and running injuries that could help people, particularly if they were open-minded and saw a world beyond Brooks, Asics or Nike,” Sandra says. An inherent benefit, of course, was the Elliotts’ military ties and the presence of nearby Fort Stewart as well as Savannah’s Hunter Army Airfield, two installations filled with military personnel embracing – or at least being forced to embrace – an active lifestyle and setting a fitness tone for those around them. “They needed the products we have,” The Game Changers shoe wall caters to niche brands.

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Sandra says. From the get-go, the store’s mission was to “change the game,” Ron says. Their inventory, filled with niche brands like Altra, Newton and inov-8, reflected their differentiated approach, as did Sandra’s people first-second-and-third mindset. While certainly recognizing the necessity of profitability, the Elliotts eschewed upselling – and even the mention of the word, hired only those with a servant heart and focused, habitually and intensely, on detailed, personalized service, a holistic approach informed by Sandra’s physical therapy background. “Almost everyone who comes in here leaves with exercises and tips to improve their health,” Sandra says, adding that the goal is always to have customers exit Georgia Game Changers better than when they walked in. While a store carrying only natural running footwear in a town of some 12,000 would seem destined to encounter struggles on its path to sustainability, the Elliotts instead captured quick success. “Most people said they had never had an experience like this,” Sandra says. “We were accomplishing just what we set out to do and we were gaining a loyal following.” Creating a one-stop destination In late 2014, Ron says the “good idea fairy” landed on his shoulder. A raw, five-acre parcel of land had become available up the street from Georgia Game Changers and Ron fashioned the idea for a one-stop, communitybased enterprise for all things fitness. If opening a natural running store wasn’t bold enough, this vision was, particularly amid the beginning ripples of a running specialty slowdown. “The original store just wasn’t big enough to do everything we wanted to do, especially with all Sandra and her team were accomplishing,” Ron says. The Elliotts crafted their plan and then committed everything they had to their vision. Losing sleep and losing hair, Sandra jokes, the husband-and-wife team oversaw the construction of a new, 16,000-square foot health and fitness-themed retail complex headlined by the 6,000-square foot Georgia Game Changers retail shop.

Changing the Game (continued)

The store is always looking for game changing product.

“The storage room alone is as big as our previous store,” Ron says. Opened in July 2015, the multi-tenant facility features a slew of carefully vetted, complementary neighbors, including a bike store, a functional fitness center, a karate studio and a physical therapy clinic. Over the last two years, the Elliotts’ mightiest hopes for their ambitious plan have been fulfilled. Groups like Girls on the Run use the property as a meeting place, while free, timed Friday night fun runs regularly attract crowds and Georgia Game Changers’ commercial neighbors continue to realize synergies. “We’ve helped other businesses grow and they’ve helped us grow because of the cross pollination that takes place,” Ron says. The physical therapist, for example, performs complimentary injury screenings for Georgia Game Changers’ customers, while the functional training studio regularly directs individuals to the running store. While there is some duplication, particularly with products found at the bike store, the Elliotts even view that redundancy as a positive. “If we don’t have something and the bike shop does, then the customer can get it and leave happy, which is still a win in our book,” Sandra says. Adds Ron: “Across the board, the benefits outweigh any negatives.” Still on the go With the Richmond Hill business thriving, the Elliotts recently introduced their next venture: a 3,000-square foot shop in downtown Savannah, GA, the coastal resort town that attracts Southerners and global travelers alike. Located about 30 minutes from Georgia Game Changers’ flagship Richmond Hill location, the Savannah running shop sits alongside boutiques and big-name retailers like lululemon, Urban Outfitters, Banana Republic and H&M, a distant cry from its Richmond Hill location tucked near the everyday concepts – a funeral home, a Pizza Hut and a Dairy Queen – that blanket small town America. Despite the geographic, demographic and

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consumer divide between its Richmond Hill and Savannah outposts, Georgia Game Changers doesn’t veer from its proven path. Just like Richmond Hill, the Savannah shop is absent the ubiquitous footwear models that line the walls of Georgia Game Changers’ running store peers. There is no Brooks Adrenaline or Asics Nimbus, no Nike Pegasus or Saucony Guide, no Mizuno Wave Rider, as Georgia Game Changers’ shoe wall remains an ode to niche brands – save New Balance – focused on natural running, while the Elliotts also favor specialty-oriented apparel and accessory brands like tasc and CW-X. “We’re always on the look for gamechanging products,” Ron says, noting that Georgia Game Changers recently became the first retail store outside of the Northeast to carry XOSKIN, an Army Ranger-developed technical apparel line. Also like Richmond Hill, the Savannah shop is working to build community with regular events, including natural running classes – a specialty of Sandra’s that she has also offered to the Georgia National Guard – and Wednesday night fun runs through historic Savannah. In Richmond Hill as well as Savannah, Georgia Game Changers’ inventory mix combined with its community focus and ultra-personalized service carried out by 12 employees helps the Elliotts’ concept stand out in an increasingly complex and competitive retail landscape. “We’re not like everybody else and really focus on special products and individual needs,” Sandra says. In the coming months, the Elliotts will expand their flagship Richmond Hill location with the construction of an additional 12,000-square foot building on the property. A cryotherapy operation has already committed to space while the Elliotts continue assessing healthy restaurant concepts as well. “There are other entities that want to be a part of this and we believe there are even more small business opportunities going forward,” Ron says. “Our success has encouraged others to take the leap and say, ‘I want to be a part of that.” n

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Long Time Fleet Feet Sports Owners Announce Retirement running shoes, and the subsequent adventures runners encountered in the right pair of shoes. In 2008, he was inducted into the Specialty Running Hall of Fame by members of the Running Industry Association. His last “Shoe Guy” column, his 150th, ran in 2010. “To be able to look back on a life and know that I spent it doing the things I loved with the people I loved leaves me feeling nothing but gratitude, “ says J.D. Denton. “Running specialty may now be more in a state of flux then when I first came into this business, but I know what hasn’t changed, and that is you will find no group more passionate or more invested in the success of their customers than specialty running store owners. Fleet Feet Sports has been an extended family for us for over 20 years, and while it’s on to the next chapter with my Shoe Chick, this Shoe Guy remains the biggest believer in what a locally owned and operated running store can do for a community. I know the next generation of Shoe Chicks and Shoe Guys like Dusty and Staci will continue to create magic in running communities across the country.” “We’ve had quite an unbelievable year in terms of the opportunity to carry on the legacy of some amazing owners, “ says Dusty Robinson. “First with Pat and Jan Sweeney retiring from Sacramento in 2016, and now with the Dentons, Staci and I feel fortunate to have learned from the best. We are fully prepared and ready to continue to support the robust running community Chris and J.D. have created in Davis, and to build upon the initiatives and programs they have planned for the fall.” The Dentons plan on staying in the Davis area, traveling and spending time with their son, his wife, and their two children. n

Top photo: Chris and J.D. Denton. Bottom photo: Staci and Dusty Robinson with sons Caleb, Travis, and Bode.

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Top: Wayne Tilcock / Davis Enterprise; Bottom: Staci Robinson.

.D. and Chris Denton, married co-owners of the Fleet Feet Sports location in Davis, CA since 1993, will retire at the end of the month. With their retirement, the Dentons will sell ownership of the Davis store to Dusty and Staci Robinson, husband and wife, and the current co-owners of the Fleet Feet Sports location in Sacramento, CA. The official transaction will take place on or around Sept. 1. “People overuse the word legend, but really in this case, I can’t think of a more appropriate word to describe J.D. and Chris,” says Joey Pointer, CEO of Fleet Feet Sports. “Their impact on our brand and the running industry in general is beyond compare. While J.D. and Chris weren’t the original owners of the Davis location, they certainly embraced it as their own from the get-go and built it into the store we all know and love today. We will miss them dearly.” Originally from Texas, J.D. Denton earned a B.A. in Communications from Wichita State in Kansas in 1973. While pursuing his degree, he met Chris D e nt o n, a n d t h e p a i r married and moved to North Carolina. In North Carolina, Chris Denton served as a registered dietician in cardiac rehabilitation while J.D. Denton began his career in retail and sporting goods, where among other jobs, he served as buyer for Omega Sports. In 1993, the Dentons moved to California to begin operating the Davis location, becoming full co-owners of the business in 1996. With the move to California, J.D. Denton also began writing a monthly column for Running Times under the persona “Shoe Guy,” sharing observations, insights, and musings on the culture of

Abbott Health & Fitness Expo October 6-7, 2017

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Running Shorts ING Source Appoints New President

Josh Higgins is the new president of ING Source, the sports and medical compression bracing company that makes and markets OS1st Base Layer Bracing products. Higgins will run the dayto-day global operations of ING Source and work closely with outgoing president Dave Higgins, who will continue in the role of CEO. “ING Source is poised for continued success and growth in the next few years,” states Dave Higgins, CEO of ING Source. “Josh’s background in sales and his business leadership experience, combined with his passion for the sports and medical health products markets, make him the ideal person to captain our team at ING.” “I believe ING Source has created a unique product line in a market that has seen little change in the past,” explains Josh Higgins. “The product focus on active bracing that moves with the person, combined with patented

Brooks Shares “Gabe” Documentary

new documentary style video from Brooks celebrates the runner Gabriele Grunewald. “Gabe” captures Brooks runner Grunewald’s journey battling cancer for the fourth time and celebrates her positivity, strength and determination in her approach to running. Grunewald has continued to train, race, and share her story through her fourth bout with cancer in eight years. Most recently, she competed in her eighth USA Outdoor Track & Field Championship in the midst of chemotherapy, the crowd rising in standing ovation as she crossed the finish line and her fellow

competitors surrounding her in a hug of solidarity. Brooks has screened the video in partnership with several running stores and will have more screening events this month. For more information about the film including details about how one can contribute to Gabe’s medical expenses, visit the Brooks blog here: http://talk.brooksrunning. com/blog/2017/08/07/gabriele-grunewalddocumentary-screenings/ View the documentary video here: https://youtu.be/fEcKYPMaPus

HOTEL SCAM ALERT THE RUNNING EVENT ® DOES NOT AUTHORIZE ANY THIRD PARTY HOTEL BOOKING COMPANIES TO USE OUR TRADEMARK.

Each year unofficial housing companies attempt to take advantage of our show participants. Do not be fooled by unofficial housing companies soliciting your housing business claiming to be from The Running Event. They do not have access to our room block. Often times our exhibitors who purchase rooms through these companies arrive and have no room available, no way of recovering the charges to them and have put their personal information at risk. 16

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The Running Event (TRE) will not call you for hotel bookings, and we will only contact you via email to direct you to our website. TRE will provide all the information with direct links on our website once registration opens. www.therunningevent.com Please contact Christina Henderson for further information: chenderson@formula4media.com • 516-305-4712

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Running Shorts (continued) technology for medical grade compression, allows people to keep moving and continue to pursue personal bests.” Higgins has more than 20 years of experience in distribution, operations, and directing sales and marketing teams for textile, sports and accessories companies, including most recently as President of Hickory Brands. From 2015 to 2017, Higgins has served as the VP of Sales for ING Source and oversaw the company’s expansion to become the top selling brace to the U.S. Run Specialty Retail market. ING Source will immediately begin a search for a US National Sales Manager.

BASE LAYER BRACING

Josh Higgins, President, ING Source

In his new role, Higgins plans to expand the brands and product families. “We have a well-rounded team of dedicated employees prepared to take on the challenges of being a small player in a market dominated by larger companies. When you are

a newer company and you offer a different approach to building a successful product in an established market, it’s critical to have a creative and agile team to respond to market changes and customer needs. My job is to build a focus and lead a great team. ING Source will always take a different approach to innovate, build, promote and sell products.” Dave Higgins, CEO, will continue to handle international business development and strategy. Balega Welcomes New Northeast Sales Rep

Implus-owned sock brand

Balega is expanding its domestic sales team with the hiring of Joe Moscariello to serve the New England running community. As the territory manager for New England, Joe will focus on maintaining the exclusive specialty position Balega holds within the Implus Run Specialty division. A Massachusetts native and self-described habitual trail runner, Joe sought out a career in run specialty to complement his passion. He most recently spent the past four years working as a store manager for Marathon Sports in Plymouth, MA.

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Running Shorts (continued) Amphipod’s High Five-K Pack Is a Specialty Exclusive

The new High Five-K Pack from Amphipod, a specialtyexclusive product, is the newest addition to Amphipod’s ProfileLite hydration family. The pack was developed specifically for new runners and training group initiates who may feel like getting through the first mile is challenge enough. The pack incorporates Amphipod’s patented V-Tech construction utilizing suspension dynamics that “float” the bottle off-the-body and aim to provide a comfortable, weightless, natural fit and feel without bounce. The sloped insulated sleeve keeps fluids cooler 30 percent longer, according to the brand, and allows easy singlehanded access for quick hydration without breaking stride. The large expandable zipper pocket has enough space for the biggest phones with room to spare for nutrition and essentials. Durable and comfortable, the pack is constructed with a microfiber outer, adjustable belt and breathable AirFlow mesh back panel. Amphipod’s Profile-Lite High Five-K Pack features a 16 oz. Hydraform bottle with Jett-Squeeze cap and large expandable zippered storage. It is available in three colors. MSRP $40.

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Amphipod High Five-K Pack

Running Shorts (continued) U.S. Olympian Zaferes Partners with 361 Degrees USA

Katie Zaferes, one of the world’s premier triathletes and a 2016 U.S. Olympian, has chosen 361 Degrees USA as her footwear partner with the signing of a multi-year partnership agreement. Zaferes (pictured on the cover of this issue of Running Insight) leads a growing roster of elite athletes who are representing 361 Degrees in the U.S. and around the globe. Zaferes is currently ranked number four in the International Triathlon Union (ITU) World Triathlon Series (WTS) standings. She has six top-five finishes in 2017. Zaferes says she began wearing 361 Degrees shoes when they were recommended to her by a friend and owner of a triathlon shop in Maryland. “Initially, I was drawn to the design of the 361 Degrees shoes and then when I tried a pair I felt so confident and comfortable in them. I could tell when I first started running in 361 Degrees shoes that they are dependable, and then when I raced in them I found out they’re also fast shoes! I’ve had some of my fastest run splits in the 361-KGM2 2,” she says. Zaferes currently trains in the 361-Spire 2 and 361-Shield 2 and races in the 361-KGM2 2.

View clips of Hoka’s video series at: hokaoneone.com/women-who-fly.html

Women Who Fly Video Campaign

Hoka One One has created a three-part film series highlighting “real women who fly.” The film series tells inspiring stories of women who have conquered life obstacles and paved a path to triumph over adversity. The character studies are designed to inspire other runners while defining the Hoka brand; focusing on running not only for fitness, but also helping you become the person you want to be. The series kicks off with the story of Devon Yanko, who opens up about how she used running to hide from everyone in the world. The ultra-runner was abused by her high school basketball coach and wanted to run away from the world. Running became a form of therapy and something that Yanko uses figuratively and literally. The second film features trail runner Catra Corbett, who turned an addiction into something positive through running. The third film features Shirin Gerami, an Iranian triathlete, who struggled pursuing triathlon while adhering to Iran’s dress regulations for women. Practicing her religion, Shirin ensured her hijab would not hinder her excelling during the races. View clips of the video series online at: hokaoneone.com/ women-who-fly.html

Roll to Recovery 22

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ARE YOU ONE OF THE BEST RUNNING STORES IN AMERICA?

UBUNTU AWARD

Presented by Balega Sports Awarded to a store that makes a tremendous difference in its community. The culture of Balega draws its inspiration from the humanistic philosophy focusing on people’s allegiance and relationship to one another. It is the relationship to our communities that resonates with store owners every day in their home towns. Changing lives, helping to improve the lives of those living in our communities.

SOUND MIND, SOUND BODY AWARD Presented by ASICS

ASICS believes that the key to a healthy and happy lifestyle is through a sound mind in a sound body. ASICS is an acronym, Anima Sana In Corpore Sano – a sound mind in a sound body. The winner of the Sound Mind, Sound Body Award embodies these values on a daily basis in both their personal and professional life. In honor of ASICS’ founder, Kihachiro Onitsuka, a donation of $1949 will be made to the winner’s charity of choice.

Nominate your store for one of the following awards to be presented at the annual Awards Dinner at The Running Event, Thursday, Nov. 30, 2017 in Austin, Texas. therunningevent.com/best-stores

NOMINATIONS CONTACT

Mark Sullivan msullivan@formula4media.com 646-319-7878 Christina Henderson chenderson@formula4media.com 516-305-4712

JUST DO IT AWARD

RUN HAPPY AWARD

Presented by Nike

Presented by Brooks

Presented to an outstanding woman executive in run specialty retail.

Celebrating a specialty retail store employee who brings a glass-half-full approach to their job every day.

The Just Do It Award recognizes women in the Running Specialty channel whose leadership serves as an example for all of us to follow.

This individual always has a positive attitude, dedicated work ethic, and is a total team playerâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;going the extra mile to help both customers and fellow staff. A cheerleader for their store and its culture, this individual inspires an active lifestyle and personifies what Run Happy means.

NEVER STOP EXPLORING AWARD

RUN FOR GOOD AWARD

Presented by The North Face

Presented by Saucony

Awarded to a store that is extraordinary in getting athletes to get out and experience running in the outdoors.

Recognizing a retailer who inspires kids to run their world through community-based youth running programs.

This is a recognition for a key Run Specialty dealer that has demonstrated exceptional participation in their community.

At Saucony, a good day is when we get to run; a great day is when we inspire others to run. And now, more than ever, that must include our kids. The winner will receive a donation to help introduce even more children to the power of running, creating a happier, healthier future for the local community.

THE RUNNING EVENT 2017 ÂŽ

November 28 - December 1, 2017, Austin

Nominations Underway for Best Store Awards Are you one of The Best Running Stores in America? Does your staff have a star whose story is worth telling? Do you do special work in your community that you’d like to share with the entire industry? Are you helping to stimulate physical fitness in your market and create a new generation of runners? And in doing all of this, are you able to maintain a balanced professional and personal life?

f you answered yes to any of those questions, then you should nominate your store for one of the following awards to be presented at the annual Awards Dinner at The Running Event Thursday, November 30, 2017 in Austin. 2017 marks a major change in The Best Store Awards and how they are determined. “The Running Event has always been about sharing best practices,” said Mark Sullivan, editor of Running Insight, the major sponsor of the awards. “With the help of the presenting sponsors, these awards will allow some of the best stores in the country to share the great work they’ve been doing.”

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The Ubuntu Award presented by Balega Sports This is awarded to a store that makes a tremendous difference in its community. The culture of Balega draws its inspiration from the humanistic philosophy focusing on people’s allegiance and relationship to one another. It is the relationship to our communities that resonates with store owners every day in their home towns. Changing lives, helping to improve the lives of those living in our communities.

Sound Mind, Sound Body Award (SMSB) presented by ASICS ASICS believes that the key to a healthy and happy lifestyle is through a sound mind in a sound body. ASICS is an acronym, Anima Sana In Corpore Sano – a sound mind in a sound body. The winner of the Sound Mind, Sound Body Award embodies these values on a daily basis in both their personal and professional life. In honor of ASICS’ founder, Kihachiro Onitsuka, a donation of $1949 will be made to the winner’s charity of choice.

The Just Do It Award presented by Nike This is presented to an outstanding woman executive in run specialty retail. The Just Do It Award recognizes women in the Running Specialty channel whose leadership serves as an example for all of us to follow.

Never Stop Exploring Award presented by The North Face Awarded to a store that is extraordinary in getting athletes to get out and experience running in the outdoors.

Run Happy Award presented by Brooks The Run Happy Award celebrates a specialty retail store employee who brings a glass-half-full approach to their job every day. This individual always has a positive attitude, dedicated work ethic, and is a total team player—going the extra mile to help both customers and fellow staff. A cheerleader for their store and its culture, this individual inspires an active lifestyle and personifies what Run Happy means.

Run For Good Award presented by Saucony At Saucony, a good day is when we get to run; a great day is when we inspire others to run. And now, more than ever, that must include our kids. The Saucony Run For Good Award recognizes a retailer who inspires kids to run their world through communitybased youth running programs. The winner will receive a donation to help introduce even more children to the power of running, creating a happier, healthier future for the local community. Saucony will join the winning retailer in the hosting of a local running event for children and their families.

Nominations for ALL OF these awards should be submitted to Mark Sullivan at msullivan@formula4media.com or Christina Henderson at chenderson@formula4media.com 26

runninginsight.com

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THE RUNNING EVENT 2017

THE CONFERENCE & TRADE SHOW FOR RUNNING RETAILERS

NOVEMBER 28- DECEMBER 1, 2017 AUSTIN CONVENTION CENTER

EARLY BIRD PRICING. AVAILABLE UNTIL SEPTEMBER 15TH. Take advantage of reduced rates for The Running Event 2017

Exhibitor & Sponsorship Information: Troy Leonard: tleonard@formula4media.com / 352-624-1561