Running Lab Named 2025 Store of the Year at The Running Event

December 5, 2025

TRE recognizes the nation’s top run specialty retailer for its outstanding contributions to runners, staff, and local communities.

PORTLAND, Maine (December 5, 2025) /OUTDOOR SPORTSWIRE/ – Running Lab has been named the Best Running Store of 2025 at The Running Event (TRE), North America’s premier run specialty retail conference and trade show. This special awards program recognizes leading run specialty retailers across the United States, with one store earning the title of Store of the Year each year.

Located in Brighton, Michigan, Running Lab received this honor during the annual Industry Awards Dinner on Thursday, December 4, in San Antonio. The event celebrated all 65 honorees of the 2025 Best Running Stores program and also recognized the Top Five stores: Fleet Feet Charleston, Good Times Running Co., Point 2 Running Company, Sole Sports Run and Walk, and Running Lab.

The 2025 program received 7,967 nominations across 45 states, representing nearly 270 unique retailers. Stores were evaluated on criteria including inclusivity, sustainability, mentorship, community engagement, employee benefits, and innovation. The Top 100 stores were visited twice by secret shoppers to assess in-store experience, service, and human interaction.

“We’re so grateful for this amazing reunion we get to have together once a year at The Running Event,” said Toni Reese, store manager of Running Lab, and Ken Larscheid, store owner of Running Lab. “We get to embrace one another, we get to learn from each other’s challenges, and celebrate each other’s wins. And when we say we love this event, we truly do because you have made such a huge impact on our lives.”

“Last night I was at a TRE talk, and one mantra really stuck with me: ‘Dare to Try.’ There’s no risk in trying, only the possibility of a positive outcome. Running Lab itself is a testament to what happens when we dare to try; great things can happen!” said Toni Reese, store manager of Running Lab. We learn from our failures, we ride our successes, and it’s all incredible. I am so happy and grateful for this award, and every person in this room is valuable to Running Lab.”

Christina Henderson, Event Director of The Running Event, added, “There’s no better way to close TRE than with this celebration–it’s always a reminder of what makes this industry so special. Running Lab exemplifies the best of the running retail community and sets the standard for excellence nationwide.”

Click here to see all the Best Running Stores of 2025. Nominations for 2026 will open in February.

###

About The Running Event
Launched in 2006, The Running Event (TRE) is North America’s premier specialty retail conference and trade show, attracting thousands of industry professionals each year who are seeking the latest in footwear, apparel, gear, and services. With numerous opportunities for peer learning, interactive conference programming, and dynamic product demonstrations and discovery, TRE has become the must-attend event for the run and outdoor specialty markets. In 2022, TRE expanded with the launch of Switchback, a dedicated space showcasing outdoor brands. Upcoming dates include Switchback at TRE (Dec. 2-4, 2025, San Antonio, TX) and Switchback Spring (June 16-18, 2026, New Orleans, LA). For more information, visit www.therunningevent.com and www.switchbackevent.com.

Media Contact: tre@obviouslee.com