In Profile: Running Retail Experts

The Runners Shop - Canberra

How long have you been in business?

The Runners Shop – Canberra celebrated its 20 year anniversary in July 2010. We are in our third location in Dundas Court, Phillip and still going strong.

What got you started?

There was no dedicated running store in Canberra at the time. Founder Brian Wenn used to sell shoes in the back of a station wagon in the late-80s and when the shop first opened it had no accounts and purchased stock from another store in Sydney.

What separates your store from other sports retail?

We employ athletes who are actively involved in the running community as track and distance runners, orienteers or triathletes. This means that the staff actually know what they are talking about. They have all used the products and are passionate about their sport. We have a mixture of ages, genders and abilities – including some Olympians. We also have very popular television commercials which you can view on our website.

Who is your favourite international athlete (now and past)?

Haile Gebrselassie

Who has been the most inspirational Australian runner & why?

Sprinting – Melissa Breen, has achieved so much at a young age with no support or funding. She was the fastest Australian woman in 2008.  She has been an employee at The Runners Shop for a couple of years now.

Middle Distance – Lisa Corrigan, holds the Australian Record (Mile) and raced at the 2008 Olympics. She is held in high regard by her running peers.  Another employee at The Runners Shop!

Distance – Martin Dent, for balancing training with work and being a father of 3, while at the same time giving something back to distance running in Canberra.  Has been an elite runner for 15+ years, and just keeps on going!

What do you think of the 2011 New Balance Running product?

The NBx range for 2011 contains a number of really comfortable models.  We rate the 860, the 1226, the 1080 and the 759.  The reintroduction of the 814 is also a big plus, given the absence of wider fitting trail shoes on the market.  The 905 continues to be one of the most underrated performance shoes going around. 

On the whole, the NBx range provides a generous amount of cushioning, with a variety of width fittings to cater for even the wide-footed customer.