St. Louis City run specialty retailer, Running Niche, has been honored as a 2025 Best Running Store by The Running Event for the fifth year since opening in 2018. The recognition places Running Niche among the top run specialty retailers nationwide, standing out for its innovation, community impact, and customer focus among more than 1,000 stores.

“This recognition means a lot because it shows that our commitment to the St. Louis community resonates on a national level even alongside stores with larger, multi-location, or long-standing presences,” said Bob Dyer, co-owner of Running Niche. “Since the beginning, our goal has been to do things the right way — treating people kindly, listening to customers, understanding their stories, and solving problems so they can enjoy the best possible fitness experience. This recognition validates that we are making a positive difference and creating a space where customers trust they’ll get the support they need.”

This year, Running Niche was one of 65 honorees selected to receive the Best Running Store distinction from 270 nominated retailers. The evaluation process included new criteria, with the top 100 candidates secretly shopped twice, once for shoes and once for other retail items, along with an increased focus on employee benefits, inclusivity, sustainability, community engagement, and innovative business practices.

“This honor reflects the passion of our entire team,” said Jennifer Henderson, co-owner of Running Niche. “We’re proud to represent St. Louis on a national scale, and we’re grateful for the customers and community who continue to support us every day.”

Located in the Botanical Heights neighborhood at 1601 Tower Grove Avenue, Running Niche is nestled between two of St. Louis’ most prominent parks — Forest Park and Tower Grove Park — serving as a convenient hub for runners and walkers. The store carries more than 30 notable brands and offers a wide variety of shoes, apparel, nutrition, technology, and specialty products such as performance bras, running literature, and recovery tools.

In addition to retail offerings, Running Niche provides services designed to help athletes achieve their fitness and performance goals. These include complimentary one-on-one shoe fittings with trained associates, a  weekly, community group run-or-walk every Wednesday at 6:30 p.m. (free, all paces welcome), personalized coaching plans, and a strong presence at local races by Team Running Niche, proudly represented by the store’s signature neon green singlets.

The store is also proud to support local nonprofit organizations that expand access to running for St. Louisans by partnering with programs such as Washington University’s Bear Cubs, GO! St. Louis’ Students on the Go!, and the St. Louis Track Club.

Running Niche’s staff, including Dyer, Henderson, buyer Sarah Trende, and floor manager Aaron Tucker, will be recognized on December 4, 2025, at the Industry Awards Dinner during The Running Event in San Antonio, Texas.