Running Niche named a 2026 Best Running Stores in America winner

Running Niche has been named a 2026 Best Running Stores in America winner by The Running Event, the sixth time since opening in St. Louis in 2018 (2020, 2021, 2022, 2023, 2025, and now 2026).

A message from Jennifer and Bob:

We’re proud to announce Running Niche has earned Best Running Stores 2026 recognition for the 6th time by The Running Event. This awards program honors 65 run specialty stores for their dedication to their communities, staff, and innovation and 268 stores across 49 states were in the “running”.

A huge congratulations and thank you to our staff. They are committed to meeting people where they are and helping them any way they can.

We can’t thank you, our community, from our daily customers to Running Niche Run Club and Team Running Niche, for your unwavering support. Recognitions like this don’t happen without you. Earning this reminds us that we need to continue doing what we do every day: helping folks get into the proper products so they can exercise. Since the beginning, our goal has been to do things the right way: treating people kindly, listening to customers, understanding their stories and solving problems so they can enjoy the best possible fitness experience. This recognition validates that we are making a positive difference and creating a space where customers trust they’ll get the support they need.

A little about this program, nominated stores completed a comprehensive evaluation form covering employee benefits, inclusivity, sustainability, community engagement, and innovative business practices. From there, the Top 100 stores were selected and visited twice by secret shoppers who focused largely on human interaction and the in-store experience. Based upon these components the top 65 2026 Best Running Stores in America were selected.