CARRBORO, N.C. (May 22, 2023) — Fleet Feet, the largest franchisor of locally owned and operated run specialty stores, announces more than 120 stores will participate in The Big Run, the brand’s nationwide event that since 2016 has united local communities in celebration of Global Running Day.
The 2023 edition of The Big Run kicks off on Global Running Day with stores hosting certified 5k races or fun runs from Wednesday, June 7, through Saturday, June 10. Open to runners and walkers of all abilities, The Big Run offers participants a chance to get outdoors and connect with their local running community.
“The intention of Fleet Feet’s The Big Run has always been about creating a unified, national running celebration on Global Running Day, brought to life and made unique by our stores with really hyperlocal, community-specific 5K events,” says Ellen Donahue, vice president of marketing for Fleet Feet. “Since Covid, our stores have hosted a mixture of virtual and hybrid events. With in-person running events making their full return, we’re thrilled about this year’s The Big Run and the number of new and returning events taking place across the country. Our store owners, operators and staff members are putting so much work into creating really memorable experiences for their communities, and we believe this year’s event will again exceed all expectations.”
Results from the 5k races will funnel up into a national leaderboard on fleetfeet.com and cash prizes will randomly be awarded to runners celebrating accomplishments of race completion or speed. Additionally, participants who post about the event on their social media channels will be randomly selected to win prizes from The Big Run’s sponsors and event partners. Participants will also receive t-shirts, medals and bibs.
For more than 46 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, and at every distance with personalized solutions, knowledge and empowerment.
Fleet Feet launched its first national brand campaign, #ReasonsWeRun, and its first nationwide The Big Run training program presented by Brooks earlier this year. Fleet Feet supports more than five million customers across 250 locally owned and operated stores.
To register for The Big Run in your community, visit thebigrun.fleetfeet.com.
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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 250 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 was recognized in Fast Company’s Brands That Matter List and Inc.’s Best in Business List. Stay inspired, motivated and connected at Fleet Feet.
