Fleet Feet and Cooldown Partner to Make Running More Accessible, Social and Supported

April 30, 2026

New partnership connects Cooldown’s growing social run community with Fleet Feet’s local expertise, outfitting and in-person experiences

CARRBORO, N.C. (April 30, 2026) /ENDURANCE SPORTSWIRE/ — Fleet Feet, the largest franchisor of locally owned and operated run specialty stores, and Cooldown, a fast-growing social run community with clubs across the U.S. and in Toronto, today announced a new strategic partnership designed to make running feel more approachable, connected and supported for a new generation of runners.

Fleet Feet will serve as the official retail partner of Cooldown, providing members with a central hub for personalized footwear outfittings and expert gear recommendations. Together, the organizations will collaborate on select in-person experiences, product education and community moments that support runners and grow the running community.

“Cooldown understands something important about where running is headed,” said Joey Pointer, president and CEO of Fleet Feet. “For a lot of younger runners, the first step is not a training plan or a race goal; it’s finding people to show up with. Bailey and her team have built a community that makes running feel social, welcoming and fun. Fleet Feet will help support that energy with local expertise, trusted outfitting and the kind of in-person service that gives runners more confidence once they decide to keep going.”

Celebrating its 50th anniversary this June, Fleet Feet brings a long-standing commitment to personalized service and community engagement across its nearly 290 store footprint. The partnership will enable Cooldown to expand its event offerings and deliver more intentional experiences while continuing to grow authentically.

“Cooldown has always been about bringing people together first,” said Bailey Ness, Cooldown founder. “Running gives us the reason to gather, but the community is what keeps people coming back. Partnering with Fleet Feet helps us give our members more support, better guidance and a stronger local connection as they continue building running into their lives.”

Turning Social Energy Into Long-Term Running Confidence

Together, Fleet Feet and Cooldown will focus on three key areas:

• Access to trusted running supports: Cooldown members will be connected to Fleet Feet outfitters for personalized fittings, gear guidance and resources that help them keep going.
• Shared local experiences: Fleet Feet and Cooldown will collaborate on fit nights, group runs, product moments and community gatherings designed to deepen engagement and help runners feel more confident.
• Community storytelling: The brands will highlight real runner experiences, local events and product moments that support Cooldown members as they continue building running into their lives.

Cooldown has 18 run clubs across the U.S. and in Toronto. The partnership will launch in select markets, including Boulder, Charleston, Denver and New York City, with plans to expand to additional markets over time.

Follow @cooldownrunning for meetup details and @fleetfeet for local store events, outfitting resources and partnership updates.

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About Fleet Feet
Founded in 1976, Fleet Feet is the largest franchisor of locally owned and operated specialty run stores. With nearly 290 locations in 40 states and a national headquarters in Carrboro, North Carolina, Fleet Feet is committed to providing runners, walkers and fitness enthusiasts with outfitting expertise, robust training programs, community support and rewards. Stay inspired, motivated and connected at Fleet Feet.

About Cooldown
Cooldown is a nationwide running club with groups in 18 cities across the U.S. and in Toronto. Born from the idea that running should be fun, welcoming and rooted in community, Cooldown brings people together through weekly runs, local events and shared experiences designed to make the sport feel more approachable.

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Sofia Rohrbach, Backbone Media
Phone: 970-963-4873 ext. 1162
Email: sofia.rohrbach@backbone.media