CT RUN CO. is a specialty retailer focused on footwear, apparel and accessories for walking, running and everyday use.
The company operates three locations and provides personalized fitting services and product guidance.
It serves customers ranging from casual walkers to competitive runners, as well as those seeking all-day comfort, with an emphasis on accessibility and community engagement.
How did you get into this business?
CT RUN CO. began in 2014 with a simple idea: to create a welcoming space where people could find the right shoes to move comfortably in their everyday lives. The goal was to serve everyone, from competitive athletes to professionals on their feet all day, with expert guidance and a personalized experience.
Initially, the expectation was modest (we could keep our doors open if we sell eight shoes a day), but the community response quickly exceeded those early goals. That first year revealed a clear demand for thoughtful service and genuine care, which became the driving motivation to grow CT RUN CO. into a brand centered on exceptional customer experience and meeting people where they are.
How has your business grown in recent years?
In 2025, we settled into a true three-door business with the addition of our Brookfield location. CT RUN CO. acquired a small running store in 2024 and moved it to a new building on the Still River Greenway in Brookfield. This growth has allowed us to increase our team by 15%.
CT RUN CO. is consistently recognized as an industry leader, earning Best Running Store in America in 2023 and in the top 50 every year.
What’s a major challenge your business has overcome in the past year?
The New England weather in January and February, along with world events, kept people away. Typically, we are slow the first months of the year, though this year was particularly hard.
What major strategic plans do you have in the next few years?
We plan to refine what we have in our locations and continue to drive our customer service in unique ways to keep brick and mortar relevant.
