The Running Event Announces 2025 Best Running Stores Honorees

July 29, 2025

National Program Recognizes Top Specialty Retailers Elevating the Run Industry Through Service, Community, and Leadership

PORTLAND, Maine (July 29, 2025) /ENDURANCE SPORTSWIRE/ – The Running Event (TRE), North America’s premier run specialty retail conference and trade show, proudly announces the 65 honorees of its 16th Annual Best Running Stores awards program, a prestigious recognition spotlighting innovative, community-driven, and customer-focused retailers throughout the country. These outstanding retailers will be celebrated on December 4 at the 2025 Industry Awards Dinner, held during The Running Event in San Antonio, Texas. Find the complete list of 2025 Best Running Stores here.

This year’s program reflects an evolved approach to identifying excellence in retail; one that aligns with the changing needs of the industry and the communities it serves. TRE increased its investment in the program and engaged in meaningful conversations with retailers nationwide to update evaluation criteria and expand areas of recognition. Nominated stores completed a thorough evaluation form that addressed topics like employee benefits, inclusivity, sustainability, community engagement, and innovative business practices. From there, the Top 100 stores were selected, all of which were visited twice by secret shoppers. These visits largely focused on human interaction and the in-store experience. Through a combination of these scores, the 2025 Best Running Stores were selected.

“Each year, we’re blown away by the dedication and heart these stores bring to their communities,” said Christina Henderson, Event Director of The Running Event. “The caliber of past years’ nominees inspired us to evolve the program in 2025, invest more deeply, and raise the bar for how we evaluate and celebrate this incredible industry.”

The 2025 program received 7,967 nominations across 45 states, representing nearly 270 unique stores. Winners will be celebrated during the Industry Awards Dinner on December 4, 2025, held at The Running Event in San Antonio, Texas. The evening will culminate with the announcement of the 2025 Store of the Year, an honor last awarded to Virginia-based =PR= Run & Walk.

“Being named Store of the Year was one of the most meaningful moments in our journey as a run specialty retailer,” said Cathy and Ray Pugsley, owners of =PR= Run & Walk. “This award not only validated the work we pour into our community every day, it also allowed for our staff to be recognized for the essential role they play in our success. It was really incredible celebrating afterwards with all the other awesome run specialty accounts and feeling their genuine excitement for us. We can’t wait to be in the room this year to cheer on the 2025 winner and all the incredible stores making a difference across the country.”

The Running Event will take place December 2-4 at the Henry B. González Convention Center in San Antonio, Texas. The Industry Awards Dinner on December 4 is open to all registered attendees and exhibitors at an additional cost. Registration for TRE 2025 will open the first week of August; stay up to date with the latest TRE news here.

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About The Running Event
Launched in 2006, The Running Event (TRE) is North America’s premier specialty retail conference and trade show, bringing together thousands of industry professionals to discover the latest in footwear, apparel, gear, and services. With a strong focus on innovation and industry growth, TRE provides forward-thinking conference programming, peer learning opportunities, and dynamic product discovery that help shape the future of run specialty. As the must-attend trade show for the running industry, TRE is committed to fostering innovation, supporting retailers, and driving the industry forward. For more information, visit www.therunningevent.com.

Media Contact: tre@obviouslee.com