KC Running Company’s retail store moves from Leawood to Martin City
By Kathy Feist
The KC Running Company retail store moved from its location in Leawood to its headquarters at 200 E. 135 St. in Martin City. It opened for business on February 23. Grand opening specials will be held March 9-10.
“Were excited about the opportunity to bring retail to Martin City,” says Brad Ziegler, Chief Operating Officer at KCRC. “We’ve had a blast being [headquartered] there.”
The retail store carries performance products for runners and walkers at all levels of fitness and ability, including shoes, apparel, sports bottles, Garmin watches, safety gear and more.
Ziegler says what differentiates the store from other running specialty shops is the selection of medicine products. That inventory might include ankle injury boots, splints, knee supports or products for plantar fasciitis, available for the runners and non runners alike.
Likewise, the store crafts custom shoe orthotics for both runners and non runners.
KCRC is best known for its races that it operates for private groups, charities and themselves. The facility will house both retail store with its running operations, creating a “one-stop shop.”
“You can sign up for races, pick up an award and exchange a shirt. Or you can shop for shoes and find out about group runs and races at the store,” says Ziegler.
Running Events
In addition to large races, KCRC also holds small group and training runs from their retail location every Thursday at 6 pm and Sunday at 7 am. The group runs are open to everyone at all levels of activity.
KCRC has discovered the running theme that keeps the human species interested: food.
Many runs include chili, barbecue, tacos, coffee and beer.
On March 14, the Thursday group run will celebrate Pi Day with fruit pie. Local training expert Eladio Valdez will speak on how to have a successful race at Rock the Parkway, a KCRC event.
Another nearby race will be the Cookie Run 5K which starts at the Breakfast Spot, 133rd & State Line, on March 9, and benefits the Girl Scouts. In addition to a t-shirt, runners/walkers receive a box of Girl Scout cookies.
A running tour on March 23 will involve donuts from five different bakeries: Fluffy Fresh, Hurtz, McClain’s, Mr. D’s, and Mario’s. Runners get five donuts for five miles. The donut tour starts at Fluffy Fresh, 101st and State Line Rd.
Their most anticipated running event to take place in Martin City is the Whiskey Run on March 24. That event includes a shot of Rieger whiskey at the end of the run. Martin City Coffee will also be on hand to keep things sober. Finishers leave with a voucher for a free breakfast at participating Martin City restaurants.
“We love to partner with and bring focus on Martin City,” says Ziegler. “Martin City is a nice mix of businesses and entertainment. It’s a great chance to have fun bringing people to Martin City.”
To learn more about KCRC events and retail stores, go to www.kcrunningcompany.com.