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Shop local: 3 Charlotte area running stores you should support

Supporting locally-owned businesses by shopping local is a win for everyone involved. It boots our local economy, creates more jobs, fosters community connection, reduces environmental impact, promotes entrepreneurship and  increases the character of our city.

Charlotte runners have quite a few selections when it comes to shopping for running gear at locally or regionally owned businesses. Many of our locally owned running stores have experienced so much growth and feedback that they’ve been able to open multiple locations around town.

Another benefit of shopping at locally owned stores is that you receive a personalized shopping service. These stores are the place to start if you’re looking to be fitted for the right gear. The staff is friendly, knowledgable and trained to help you get into the best gear for your body and training needs.

We are sharing three Charlotte area running stores that meet one or more of the following criteria:

– Locally owned

– Offer events, training groups or group runs

– Organize local races

– Personalized shoe fitting

Charlotte Running Company

– Owned by Scott Dvora and Donny Forsyth

– Four locations throughout the Charlotte area

– Manage several races throughout the year, including two of Charlotte’s largest, the Charlotte SouthPark Turkey Trot 8K, and the Charlotte RaceFest Half Marathon and 10K Run.

– Host group runs and events

Charlotte Running Company of Dilworth

1412 East Boulevard, Suite G

Charlotte, NC 28203

Charlotte Running Company of South Charlotte

5355 Ballantyne Commons Pkwy, Suite 200

Charlotte, NC 28277

Charlotte Running Company of Lake Norman

124 Trade Court, Suite B

Mooresville, NC 28117

Charlotte Running Company of Northlake – NEW!

10129 Perimeter Pkwy.

Charlotte, NC 28216

Run For Your Life

– Charlotte locations owned by Tim Rhodes, University location owned by Chris and Mary Kathryn Elkins

– Three locations to serve the Charlotte area

– Produce hundreds of local running events

– Offer a variety of group training programs

Dilworth

2422 Park Road

Charlotte, NC 28203

Piper Glen

6416 Rea Road

Charlotte, NC 28277

University

1816 East Arbors Dr., #420

Charlotte 28262

The Ultra Running Company

– Owned by Nathan Leehman

– One location on Providence Road in the heart of Myers Park

– Friendly, knowledgable and passionate service. One of the prerequisites to get hired is that candidates love to run

– Carry some unique running shoes and brands including Altra, Holka and Salomon

Myers Park

1027 Providence Rd

Charlotte, NC 28207

Photo: Todd Sumlin / Charlotte Observer

This story was originally published September 12, 2014 at 4:06 AM with the headline "Shop local: 3 Charlotte area running stores you should support."

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