Road Runner Sports

Road Runner Sports is a specialty retailer dedicated to running shoes, athletic apparel, and accessories for runners and fitness enthusiasts across the United States. The company traces its origins to 1983, when founder Michael Gotfredson started the business from his garage in San Diego, California, processing just seven orders on day one. What began as a modest operation has evolved into a recognized national brand built on personalized fitting services and a commitment to customer experience.

As of November 2025, Road Runner Sports operates 44 retail locations across 12 states, with established presence in California, Colorado, Illinois, Maryland, New Jersey, Oregon, Virginia, and Washington. The company's stores distinguish themselves through interactive retail formats. The Fit Zone concept offers gait analysis and custom insoles, while the Shoe Dog experience leverages advanced technology and expert staff guidance to help customers find the right fit. These experiential elements have become central to how the brand differentiates itself in a competitive market.

Over the past five years, Road Runner Sports has pursued deliberate expansion into high-growth metropolitan and suburban markets. The company is currently targeting new store openings in the Pacific Northwest, Midwest, and Mid-Atlantic regions, with particular focus on Seattle, Portland, Denver, Chicago, Baltimore, and Washington DC. This geographic strategy reflects confidence in both the brand's model and consumer demand for specialty running retail in these corridors.

The company operates as an independent retailer with over 1,000 employees nationwide and maintains headquarters in San Diego. Its expansion efforts are supported by strong omnichannel sales capabilities and a loyal customer base, positioning Road Runner Sports as an active, credible tenant with proven traffic-driving formats and a track record of successful multi-state growth.