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.