Nominations Open for the Best Running Stores of 2026 Awards Program

February 10, 2026

The Running Event’s annual awards program will honor run specialty retailers leading the way in community and innovation

PORTLAND, Maine (February 10, 2026) /OUTDOOR SPORTSWIRE/ – The Running Event (TRE), North America’s premier run specialty retail conference and trade show, is now accepting nominations for the 2026 Best Running Stores awards program. This yearly program celebrates U.S.-based run specialty stores who are leaders in both the running industry and their communities; stores that go above and beyond for their customers, employees, and their cities and towns. The awards reception will take place during the final day of The Running Event in San Antonio, TX, on December 3, 2026. Click here to submit a nomination.

A pillar of TRE, the Best Running Stores awards program recognizes run specialty retailers that exemplify meaningful community impact, excellent customer service, intentional employee support, and innovative business practices. Each nominated store is extensively evaluated on criteria including customer experience, inclusivity, training opportunities, and community engagement; from there, the top 100 stores are secret-shopped as the last step of the evaluation process. Winners will be selected and announced in late July.

“Run specialty stores are the foundation of the running industry, and every year, we just keep seeing that foundation grow stronger,” said Genae Salinas, TRE Event Director. “The Best Running Stores awards program has become a cornerstone of TRE, and it’s more important than ever to celebrate the stores who are driving our industry forward while also supporting their local communities.”

Nominate a Store

Customers, industry professionals, brands, and store employees are encouraged to nominate a run specialty shop they believe is one of the best. Nominations for this year’s Best Running Stores program close Friday, March 13, 2026.

Click here to nominate a store. Run specialty retailers can also access promotional materials on this page to encourage nomination submissions.

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About The Running Event
Launched in 2006, The Running Event (TRE) is North America’s premier specialty retail conference and trade show, bringing together thousands of industry professionals to discover the latest in footwear, apparel, gear, and services. With a strong focus on innovation and industry growth, TRE provides forward-thinking conference programming, peer learning opportunities, and dynamic product discovery that help shape the future of run specialty. As the must-attend trade show for the running industry, TRE is committed to fostering innovation, supporting retailers, and driving the industry forward. The Running Event 2026 will take place December 1-3 in San Antonio, Texas, at the Henry B. González Convention Center. For more information, visit www.therunningevent.com.

Media Contact: tre@obviouslee.com

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