The Ultra Running Company and Fleet Feet Now Running Together

October 26, 2023

Community retailer Fleet Feet expands Charlotte footprint with run specialty acquisition

CHARLOTTE, N.C. and CARRBORO, N.C. (Oct. 26, 2023) /OUTDOOR SPORTSWIRE/ – Fleet Feet announced today that it has acquired Charlotte-based run specialty store The Ultra Running Company (URC) from industry veteran and friend Nathan Leehman. Located at 1027 Providence Road, the newly-minted Fleet Feet Charlotte–Myers Park will continue URC’s legacy by serving runners and walkers with expert advice, education and training.

Hickory, N.C., native Brett Albers, will serve as operating partner of the new Fleet Feet. Albers and his family have called Charlotte home since 2019, and Albers currently leads the teams at Fleet Feet Charlotte–Waverly Walk and Fleet Feet Fort Mill.

“Over the past decade, under Nathan’s leadership, URC has become a home for running enthusiasts in and around Charlotte,” said Albers. “Nathan’s phenomenal dedication and passion for running and serving the running community has been nothing short of inspiring, and we’re honored he’s chosen to hand the baton to Fleet Feet.”

Leehman first opened URC in 2013. It has since become a running destination in Charlotte, earning a spot as one of the Top 50 Running Stores in the country. Several URC employees will become Fleet Feet employees, and continue sharing their expertise and passion for the sport with customers.

“I’ve had an amazing ‘run’ at the Ultra Running Company, and when it became time to think about what was next for the store and community, Fleet Feet was the obvious answer,” said Leehman. “I’ve been impressed with their constant support of and engagement with Charlotte runners. Their combination of excitement, access to a huge array of products, and genuine interest in the needs of our customers and friends, makes them a perfect partner to take over the store.”

Fleet Feet Charlotte–Myers Park will operate with the brand’s exclusive outfitting experience, fit id®, which includes pressure plates and 3D foot scanning technology that allows the brand to accurately assess the size and shape of customers’ feet and how each foot moves through the gait cycle. This personalized, expert-led approach allows outfitters to offer the right fitting footwear and accessories for each customer.

For more than 47 years, Fleet Feet owners, operating partners and employees have created welcoming environments that allow runners, walkers and fitness enthusiasts of all abilities to conquer their goals at every level, on every surface, at every distance with personalized solutions, knowledge and empowerment. Fleet Feet’s nationwide network of community-based retail stores are a place of inspiration, showing people how Running Changes Everything®.

Visit the Fleet Feet Charlotte website to learn more about the store, run training programs and community activities.

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About Fleet Feet

Founded in 1976, Fleet Feet is the largest franchisor of locally owned and operated run specialty stores. With more than 260 locations in 40 states and a national headquarters in Carrboro, N.C., Fleet Feet is committed to providing runners, walkers and fitness enthusiasts with outfitting expertise, robust training programs, community support and rewards. Fleet Feet believes that RUNNING CHANGES EVERYTHING® and has been recognized in Fast Company’s Brands That Matter List, and Inc.’s Best in Business List and PRWeek’s Purpose Awards. Stay inspired, motivated and connected at Fleet Feet.