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 enough, 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.

Watch The Running Event’s official announcement video and see the full list of 2026 Best Running Stores in America winners.

Nominate Running Niche for the 2026 Best Running Stores award

Nominations for the 2026 Best Running Stores award are now open, and we're asking the St. Louis running community to help us earn this recognition again.

Running Niche has been named one of the Best Running Stores in America five times, in 2020, 2021, 2022, 2023, and most recently in 2025. Each year, this award reflects the relationships we've built with our customers, the care we put into every fitting, and the strength of the running community here in St. Louis. We don't take it for granted, and we'd love the chance to represent our community again in 2026.

A message from Jennifer and Bob:

If you have enjoyed your experiences with us at Running Niche, whether it be our shoe fitting expertise, knowledgeable and helpful staff, your participation in our weekly Running Niche Run Club social run/walks, or our one-on-one endurance training coaching and being a part of Team Running Niche, we would very much appreciate you sharing and nominating Running Niche for the 2026 Best Running Stores award.

Thank you,

Jennifer and Bob

About the Best Running Stores award

This program by The Running Event honors running specialty stores for their dedication to their communities, staff, and innovation. An extensive evaluation process, including a secret shopper visit to the top 100 stores, assesses factors like mentorship opportunities, sustainability efforts, inclusivity, and overall customer experience. The winning stores will be celebrated at The Running Event, December 1-3, 2026 in San Antonio, TX.

Ready to get fitted for the perfect running shoe? Visit Running Niche at 1601 Tower Grove Ave in St. Louis for expert shoe fitting from coaches who understand Lydiard training.

Update: thank you to everyone who nominated us. Running Niche was named a 2026 Best Running Stores in America winner. Read the full announcement.