Business Details
50+ Years
experience
Your Running Store in New England
Runners Alley has been a trusted name in athletic footwear and apparel since 1975, serving runners and fitness enthusiasts across New England. Founded in a renovated apartment near Harvard Square, we've grown to 28 retail locations while maintaining our commitment to personalized service and expert guidance. Our proprietary Right Fit process combines biomechanical analysis with hands-on expertise to ensure customers find gear that enhances their performance and comfort.With decades of combined experience, our team prioritizes customer satisfaction through free returns, community engagement, and educational resources. We pride ourselves on fostering a welcoming environment where all fitness levels can access premium products and specialized knowledge.
Services
Running Shoes
Athletic Apparel
Footwear Fitting
Team Sales
Gear Reviews
Details
- Year established: 1975
Highlights and features
- 40+ years serving New England's running community
- Proprietary Right Fit biomechanical analysis process
- Free returns and exchanges within 30 days
- Expert staff with specialized running knowledge
- Community events including group runs and races
What people say
Expert staff
Accurate fitting
Quality products
Great selection
Helpful reviews
Services
Running Shoes
We offer an extensive selection of running shoes from top brands like Nike, New Balance, and Brooks. Our inventory includes road, trail, racing, and recovery shoes for all running styles. Expert staff help customers find proper fit through our Right Fit process, ensuring optimal comfort and performance for both casual joggers and competitive athletes.
Athletic Apparel
Our stores carry technical apparel for runners including moisture-wicking tops, shorts, tights, and outerwear. We stock seasonal collections from leading brands like Tracksmith and Saucony. The Right Fit process extends to apparel selection, helping customers choose appropriate materials and fits for their specific training conditions and climate needs.
Footwear Fitting
Our proprietary Right Fit process combines biomechanical analysis with hands-on expertise. The free service includes gait analysis, foot assessment, and personalized recommendations. Staff evaluate bone structure, pronation patterns, and training goals to match customers with appropriate footwear, helping prevent injuries and improve running efficiency.
Team Sales
We provide customized team apparel and gear solutions for schools, clubs, and corporate groups. Services include uniform coordination, team store setup, and bulk ordering options. Our team specialists work directly with organizers to meet specific requirements for races, training, and championship events across New England.
Gear Reviews
Our blog features expert reviews comparing latest running shoes and equipment. Content covers technical specifications, performance analysis, and comparative assessments between models. Reviews help customers make informed decisions about cushioning levels, stack heights, and appropriate use cases for different footwear technologies and running accessories.
People
Colin Peddie
Founder
Colin Peddie took over Runners Alley in 1992, introducing the innovative Right Fit process that became our signature service. His vision transformed the single-store operation into a regional running specialty chain while maintaining personalized customer care as the company's foundation.
Dennis Sheppard
Team Sales Manager
Dennis Sheppard leads our team sales division, specializing in custom athletic apparel solutions for schools and organizations. With extensive knowledge of team needs, he helps coordinate uniform purchases and manages special order processes for large group requirements.
Questions
What locations does Marathon Sports serve?
We operate 28 stores across New England including Massachusetts, Connecticut, New Hampshire, Rhode Island, and Maine with both urban and suburban locations.
Do you offer online ordering?
Yes, we provide online shopping with free shipping over $74.99 and easy returns at any physical location or via prepaid shipping labels.
What is the Right Fit process?
Our proprietary fitting method combines biomechanical analysis with personalized consultation to help customers find optimal footwear through gait assessment and foot evaluation.
Can I return worn shoes?
Worn products are eligible for exchange or store credit only. Unworn items with original packaging qualify for full refunds within 30 days.
Do you host running events?
We organize weekly group runs at multiple locations and maintain a calendar of local races including 5Ks, marathons, and charity running events.
What brands do you carry?
We stock major running brands including Nike, New Balance, Brooks, Saucony, and specialty lines like Vivobarefoot and hylo Athletics.