Business Spotlight: Ridge Runner Sports

When Danny Tervol decided to compete in the Portland Marathon in Portland, Ore., he knew he had some hard work ahead of him. Tervol, who works as a stockbroker at Andrew Garret Inc. in Springfield, hadn't run a marathon in 20 years, and he needed a good pair of running shoes, as well as some training tips. He found both at Ridge Runner Sports in Springfield.

"I had some problems with my hip, and I was concerned about it," he said. "I came in and told them the problem I was having. They looked at my feet and my running shoes, and they could tell how I run. They put me in another running shoe, and I haven't had a problem since."

While he was in the store, Tervol picked up some information about upcoming running events in the Springfield area. He also signed up for a free speed-training class sponsored by the store, which helped him to improve his time and endurance.

On Oct. 6, Tervol competed in the Portland Marathon as part of the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society's Team In Training, which raises money for leukemia research. He finished the event in 3 hours, 38 minutes.

Over the years, Ridge Runner Sports has established a reputation for assisting area runners who need help achieving their goals.

The store, which was founded in 1982, originally occupied a small booth at Ozark Gymnastics Empire in Springfield. Since then, it has expanded and moved three times, and today it occupies more than 1,700 square feet of retail space at 3057 S. Fremont Ave.

"The store is nothing like it was 20 years ago," said Mary Goss, owner. "We're still continuing to make changes."

Recently, Goss attended an elite dealers' meeting sponsored by New Balance, a shoe manufacturer. As a result of that meeting, Goss said, she has decided to extend the store's hours and change her pricing structure. Goss also plans to meet with a merchandiser, who will help her rearrange the store's merchandise.

Shoppers who come to Ridge Runner Sports can find a wide range of merchandise, including athletic shoes manufactured by Asics, New Balance, Adidas and Saucony, as well as clothing and accessories geared toward those who exercise in all types of weather. The store also stocks a wide variety of swimwear, goggles and other accessories.

However, it's customer service not the store's inventory which makes Ridge Runner Sports stand out, Goss said. Since the store was founded, a number of large national athletic shoe and clothing chains set up shop in Springfield. Despite the increased competition, Goss said Ridge Runner Sports has managed to increase its customer base.

"You could go many places and get the same products," she said. "What you won't get, though, is the knowledge and experience we have here."

All four of the store's employees either run or swim, and they use their first-hand knowledge when helping customers. Goss also is an accomplished runner who has completed 16 marathons.

Over the years, Ridge Runner Sports has become a resource for local runners, who frequently stop by the store to pick up information on upcoming running events and training seminars that are sponsored by the store. Ridge Runner Sports also holds a number of events for area athletes, including a summer triathlon and two 5-kilometer runs one in the fall and one in the spring.

In addition, the store sponsors several top-notch local runners by paying their entrance fees at area races and by providing them with merchandise discounts and a free uniform, which bears the store's name. These runners act as "a mobile billboard for the store," Goss said.

Although Ridge Runner Sports caters to many established runners, it also attracts many novice runners and casual athletes of all ages. During the spring, for example, Goss stocks children's athletic shoes and conducts a training seminar for children 12 years old and younger who wish to compete in the Cox Medical Mile race. In addition, the store attracts many active seniors.

"I get people of all ages in here," said Goss. "I even get customers who come here because they were referred by their podiatrist."

Many of Ridge Runner Sports customers come to the store because they need help finding the correct athletic shoe. In addition to fitting customers with the correct shoe, the store sells shoe inserts and other products that help prevent injuries.

Some customers enjoy coming to the store so they can visit with other runners and swimmers who live in the community and compete in area events. This sense of camaraderie carries over to the store's employees. Recently, a steady stream of regular customers have stopped by the store to visit with Angie Dodson, an employee who completed her first marathon in Wichita, Kan., on Oct. 13.

"This is more than just a store," said Goss. "This is a place where runners can come and visit and get information on the sport."

Goss is making plans to increase the store's shoe selection and is working to automate the store's inventory system. She's also working on a Web site that will help promote the store and keep area runners abreast of upcoming events and training seminars.