The Running Event’s Best Running Stores program has long celebrated the retailers who elevate run specialty through service, community impact, and leadership. In 2025, the program raised the bar by expanding evaluation criteria to target deeper industry engagement and emphasize in-store experience, inclusivity, sustainability, and innovation.
Join us for this roundtable discussion with the Top 5 Best Running Stores of 2025. During this free webinar, these standout retailers will reflect on what it truly means to be recognized as a Best Running Store in today’s evolving landscape, and how that recognition continues to change.
Panelists will also share candid insights into the challenges they’re anticipating in 2026, how they’re preparing their teams and businesses for what’s ahead, and what it takes to lead with purpose and adaptability.
Toni Reese
Co-Owner, Running Lab
Toni Reese is the Co-Owner of Running Lab, named 2025 America’s Best Running Store. She’s dedicated to inspiring people to move through expert footwear fitting, standout customer care, and a strong commitment to uplifting the local running community. Toni also volunteers on the Running Industry Association (RIA) board, helping shape the future of the running specialty industry while empowering runners and walkers of every level to chase their goals.
Sean McManus
General Manager, Sole Sports Running Zone
Sean McManus is a seasoned Sales & Marketing Manager with extensive experience in the run specialty industry. With a strong focus on brand management and community outreach, Sean has honed his expertise through roles at Altra Running and currently serves as the General Manager of Sole Sports Running Zone in Phoenix, Arizona.
Andrea Witte
Co-Owner, Good Times Running Co.
Andrea is one of four owners of Good Times Running Co., a locally owned specialty run shop that has proudly served the Katy, Texas community for more than eight years. With a background in endurance sports and a lifelong passion for movement, Andrea brings both personal experience and perspective to supporting runners and walkers of all levels. As her business has grown, so has her understanding of community needs – she takes great pride in evolving alongside them. Her store’s mission remains rooted in connection, inclusivity, and helping people find joy and confidence through movement. After more than 30 years of marriage, Andrea is a proud empty nester who has happily replaced two young adults with two very spoiled & crazy dogs!
Amy Minkel
Co-Owner / Chief Operating Officer, Fleet Feet Charleston
Amy Minkel is the Chief Operating Officer and Co-Owner of Fleet Feet Charleston. After a 20+ year career in healthcare, she and her husband decided to take a new path and opened the first of their now four stores in 2013. With a passion for building connections through movement, she has helped make Fleet Feet a hub for Charleston’s active community—fostering partnerships with local races, medical professionals, and wellness organizations. Amy combines business leadership with a hands-on approach to creating exceptional customer experiences, empowering her team, and inspiring people to find joy in an active lifestyle.
Andrea Lehmkuhler
Co-Owner / General Manager, Point 2 Running Company
Andrea Lehmkuhler is a Co-Owner of Point 2 Running Company, founded in 2011. She is passionate about building a people-first culture, developing strong teams, and investing in community partnerships and local impact. She has served in leadership roles within the running industry, including as President of the Running Industry Association. In her spare time, Andrea enjoys running, traveling, and spending time with her husband and daughter.
Ken Larscheid
Founder / Co-Owner, Running Lab
Ken Larscheid is the founder and co-owner of Running Lab in Brighton, Michigan with 25 years experience in the industry. A former high school cross-country runner, he got his start in the footwear world working at Dick’s Sporting Goods, then later landed a sales role with New Balance that introduced him to run-specialty — and ultimately inspired him to build Running Lab into a community-focused running and walking retail store.
Mike Jacobsen
Editor, Running Insight
Michael Jacobsen is the editor of Running Insight magazine. He is an experienced trade industry journalist who has covered the sporting goods, team sports, footwear, running and textile industries for more than three decades.
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