News: Potomac River Running Named One of the 50 Best Running Store in America for 4th Straight Year

By Kristin Idle
Special to VivaLoudoun.com

(Dec. 9, 2009) - For the fourth consecutive year, locally-owned Potomac River Running has been named one of “The 50 Best Running Stores in America” by Formula Four Media and Competitor Magazine. This award was presented on Nov. 11 in Austin at The Running Event, the largest trade show for the running specialty industry. Potomac River Running was one of 13 stores nationally, and the only one in the DC metro area, to win this award four consecutive years, since its inception.



The 50 Best Stores list is the result of a year-long process that rates running stores based on criteria such as customer service, product selection and availability, knowledgeable staff, training programs, group events, and other key factors.

Equally important, and another key factor in determining what stores make “the list”, is how a business supports its local community. Community support is evaluated based on sponsorship of local races, support of charities, events and education provided, and more: essentially what the store does to be a good citizen and support its local community of runners.

“As one of nearly 500 running specialty stores across the country, we are extremely proud to have been selected to the top 50 again this year. We are truly grateful to our management team and staff. This award is a testament to their consistent hard work and commitment to our customers and the greater DC running community as a whole,” said co-owner, Brendan Shapiro. He added, “we are inspired everyday by the stories we hear from our customers about the progress they have made in their running and walking, the organizations running has enabled them to support, and the positive impact their active lifestyle has. We couldn’t be happier to be in this business.”

To read more about the products, services offered, and events hosted by Potomac River Running, please visit their website at www.potomacriverrunning.com. For information on the numerous training programs offered by Potomac River Running, please visit www.prtrainingprograms.com.