The Running Shop sprints into business

Owned by Morgan Hill local Paul Rakitin, The Running Shop’s doors are now open for business.
Located in Morgan Hill Plaza at 16999 Suite D on Monterey Road, the small store across the street from The Dollar Tree had its soft opening on July 22. A grand opening event will be planned for some time in September according to Rakitin.
“No date is set in stone, but I want to have a raffle at the grand opening that offers deeper discounts and maybe have a barbecue,” Rakitin said.
Having been a runner himself for the past 25 years, Rakitin, 35, ran competitively throughout high school and college. Knowing from first-hand experience that shoes can make all the difference in a runner’s performance, Rakitin said he is looking forward to giving advice to athletes who will come in to the shop.
“I love customer service and getting people excited about the sport,” Rakitin said. “And shoes are where running begins.”
Rakitin returned from Afghanistan 1.5 years ago after having served as a combat medic in the military for five years. Before leaving Morgan Hill to serve, Rakitin used to manage a running store in Morgan Hill.
“I left because I wanted to serve my country and work with like-minded individuals,” Rakitin said. “It was hard being away from my family though.”
Rakitin and his wife, Renee, have two young children, a two-year-old son and a four-year-old daughter. Renee has supported her husband with opening The Running Shop and steps in to the store when he needs her help. As for now, Rakitin is operating the store on his own until business picks up.
Rakitin has already started to build a relationship with the community by making contact with local groups such as the South Valley Running Club as well as health clubs. He hopes to make connections with the high schools in Morgan Hill and Gilroy and provide sports teams with the specific shoes they need. Student athlete discounts are currently available.
“I can make special orders for sports shoes,” Rakitin said. “I just had a girl on the Sobrato volleyball team come in the other day and I’m ordering in volleyball shoes.”
Rakitin emphasized that The Running Shop can provide personal, specialty service to its customers that bigger chain sports stores cannot.
“Paul is an expert when it comes to fitting running shoes. I brought my son here and Paul looked at his foot strike and gave him a few shoe choices,” wrote customer Jim A. from San Jose in his review on Yelp. “This place is what’s needed in this community.”
Rakitin said that South County could benefit from a specialty shop of this type since there are a large number of runners and cyclists in the small area of Morgan Hill and Gilroy.
“I’m grateful to the community for supporting local businesses,” Rakitin said.
The store currently sells brands such as Asics, Brooks, Mizuno and New Balance. Rakitin plans to stock his shelves with Nike footwear in the future as well. He also plans to add children and toddlers’ running and athletic shoes to the inventory.
In addition to shoes, The Running Shop sells athletic clothing. Brands include Asics, Saucony and Moving Comfort and all pieces are made of synthetic materials. Quick fixes for runners such as Power Bars are also available and a free pair of socks are being handed out to the first 100 customers.