This past year more than ever, with gyms closed and group exercises on hold, more people have been out running and walking. Whether it’s walking the dog around the neighborhood, getting those daily steps in, or training for a 5K — Big Peach Running Co. (BPRC) wants the community to know that the active lifestyle is for everyone.

Locally owned and operated by active, passionate and knowledgeable runners from the area, the Big Peach Running Co. fosters a friendly, inclusive atmosphere that encourages guests to discover the many ways to have fun using their feet to move forward while also making sure they have the right gear to do so.

If BPRC has learned anything over the past year, it’s that people want to like running, they just need some help getting there.

“Most people don’t identify themselves as a runner, it can be intimidating, but we’re not just for runners,” said Steve DeMoss, lifelong endurance athlete who humorously calls himself one of BPRC’s “Chief Running Officers.” “There are so many dimensions to the pedestrian active lifestyle: workouts, hiking trails, dog walking, racing, running with kids, running to clear your mind — it can be social and it can be individual.”

At BPRC, there are so many ways to make being active more enjoyable and accessible. Their team is dedicated to encouraging people to be enthusiastic about embracing an active lifestyle.

“Our BPRC community is a group that’s found this activity that is so fulfilling and so rewarding. It keeps you healthy, you sleep better, you’re more productive, and it just makes you feel good. We want to share that with everyone,” DeMoss said.

Sharing that passion with others is what drives their team. Not only is BPRC consistently deemed one of the “Top 50 Running Stores” in the U.S., it’s also “the friendliest place on the planet.”

“The best thing is that running and walking are free, and can be done anywhere at any time. They’re pandemic friendly and always available,” DeMoss said. “Keep in mind: you don’t need a lot of gear, but a comfortably fitted shoe, a nice pair of socks and, for women, a run bra can make a big difference.”

Luckily, matching people to the right shoe is BPRC’s specialty. Their customized three-step fitting process aims to match the customer’s needs based on understanding biomechanics, how much support someone needs out of a shoe and how that aligns with foot characteristics, fit and feel.

“Your job is to listen to your foot, our job is to figure out what it’s saying,” DeMoss said.

BPRC carries a wide range of footwear, apparel, accessories and has a variety of in-store programs.

For example, BPRC offers a free 30-minute class called “How to Hate Running Less.” The class is open to all and happens Wednesdays at 6:30pm at Big Peach’s store located at 1062 Johnson Ferry Road in Marietta/East Cobb.

Want to hit the ground running? Run (or walk) to your local Big Peach Running Co. store or call 770-579-0444. 

EAST COBBER readers can get a 10% discount by mentioning this discount code  “EASTCOBBER” . The discount code can be used for online purchases and in store. 

>> This article was originally published on page 28 in the EAST COBBER March/April issue. <<