The Running Event Announces the 2026 Best Running Stores Honorees

July 29, 2026

National awards program recognizes run specialty retailers that deliver exceptional customer experiences, strengthen local communities, and invest in the running industry.

PORTLAND, Maine (July 29, 2026) /ENDURANCE SPORTSWIRE/ – The Running Event (TRE), North America’s premier run specialty retail conference and trade show, today announced the 2026 Best Running Stores honorees, recognizing 65 specialty retailers whose commitment to customer service, community leadership, and employee development elevates the running industry.

Driven by a national nomination cycle that generated 8,300 submissions across 49 states and 268 unique store locations, this year’s program highlights the continued strength and reach of run specialty retail. As The Running Event prepares for its milestone 20th anniversary event this December, the 2026 Best Running Stores honorees reflect an evolving industry, setting the standard for exceptional in-store experiences, investing in their teams, and strengthening the local communities they serve.

2026 winners will be honored on December 3 at the Industry Awards Dinner in San Antonio, Texas, the final day of TRE. See the full list of 2026 Best Running Stores here.

Why These Stores Stand Out

While run specialty retail has expanded beyond technical footwear to include lifestyle apparel, recovery gear, accessories, and much more, this year’s evaluation revealed a clear theme: today’s strongest retailers succeed by prioritizing genuine human connection. The 2026 honorees distinguish themselves by focusing on face-to-face interactions, employee support and growth opportunities, and creating welcoming, inclusive environments where community members can connect, learn, and feel supported, no matter where they’re at in their movement journey.

How the 2026 Winners Were Selected

Nominated retailers completed a comprehensive multi-stage evaluation that assessed operational excellence, customer experience, community initiatives, employee support, future plans, and much more.

After the initial evaluation, the Top 100 stores were visited twice by secret shoppers, with each visit focused across distinct product categories. One visit focused exclusively on footwear, evaluating fit process knowledge and personalized shoe recommendations, while the second visit assessed how effectively staff educated customers and guided sales across non-footwear inventory like socks and supporting gear. Most importantly, each shop centered around the overall customer experience at each store.

Final honorees were selected based on a combination of evaluation scores and results from both secret shopper visits.

“Run specialty stores are so much more than places to buy shoes—they’re gathering spaces where people build confidence, find community, and discover a lifelong connection to movement,” said Genae Salinas, Event Director of The Running Event. “The TRE team is so proud to recognize the retailers who move our industry forward through exceptional service, strong teams, and the relationships they build with individuals every day.”

All honorees will be recognized during The Running Event’s annual Industry Awards Dinner on December 3 in San Antonio, where the 2026 Store of the Year will be announced.

Celebrating its 20th anniversary, The Running Event will return to San Antonio this December 1–3, bringing together specialty retailers, brands, race organizers, media, and industry leaders for three days of business, education, networking, and product discovery to help shape the future of run specialty. Registration opens the week of August 3, 2026. To learn more and register, visit www.therunningevent.com.

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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

Media kit can be found here.