50 best running stores in America
Runners High ‘n Tri in Arlington Heights, Illinois was named as one of the top 50 best running stores in America at the Running Event in Austin, Texas on November 11. This event is the largest convention for specialty running stores in America and is organized by Competitor magazine.
“We’re honored to be part of the top running specialty stores and certainly in great company,” said Mark Rouse, co-owner of Runners High ‘n Tri and 13-time Ironman finisher. “I appreciate our loyal customers, who provide great support and energy at Runners High ‘n Tri.” Only two other stores made the list from Illinois. Fleet Feet Chicago and Naperville Running Company also made the list.
Readers may wonder what a running store and a convention have to do with adventure travel. The answer to this is it is vital to get in shape before starting most adventure travel sports. It is not recommended that couch potatoes rise from the sofa throw a forty pound plus backpack on and hike five days in the mountains. Running is one of the best ways to condition the adventure traveler for hiking, backpacking, canoeing, cross-country skiing, orienteering, and adventure cycling.
What makes Runners High ‘n Tri so unique is that the store champions the new Newton shoe which uses new landmark techniques. Instead of landing on the back heel and having the entire individual’s weight landing harshly on the heel the Newton shoe has all the padding closer to the toe making the runner land at the mid-step. This is a more fluid gait and distributes the pounding more naturally leading to fewer injuries. Only a few stores across the country sell the Newton line.
Store co-owners celebrate the award - photo courtesy of Molly Lynch
Another honor for the Arlington Heights fitness retailer that happened at the convention was that Craig “Crowie” Alexander, the Hawaii Ironman winner, joined them at their table for dinner during the awards ceremony. Store Public Relations representative Molly Lynch stated that “we were honored given that he could have chosen any store to sit with.” This is the equivalent of being a golf store and having Tiger Woods sitting at the table.
With Christmas coming around the bend a pair of Newton shoes is a great gift idea for the runner in the family. Stop by the store, get in shape, learn a new running technique with less chance of injury, and then go adventure traveling.
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Comments
Congrats to Runners High 'n Tri in Arlington Heights!
Thanks for the support, Bobbi! We're honored.
Great coverage. I hadn't heard of a Newton shoe before. I am dragging myself out of the couch potato category, so this info is helpful!
had no idea they had a best running store competition.
Have to tell my kids who run about it - unless of course they already know the store
Excellent, we need more specialty stores like this! I lived in Brentwood for a while where the only store we has that was geared for runners (I wont say the name, except it wasnt this store) was 40 miles away, and the next closest was 350 miles away.
Glad that High n Tri are doing so well!
Wonderful story, great advice.
Oh, how i wish i could run again. Ran too much, pounded the pavement with a zillion races and 4 marathons....then got both hips replaced! Miss it, and a good running store is fun to visit and just hang out in.
Congratulations Mark and Theresa and Pom! what an honor to be awarded this title. Your hard work and dedication has certainly paid off. Keep the momentum going and celebrate. You and your staff deserve it!
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