Running Center

Carlsbad, United States

4.8

Closed now

20 reviews

Accepts Credit Cards

Contacts

QR code, vCard

Telephone:
+1 760-720-7475
Website:
www.runningcenters.com
Address:
2584 El Camino Real Suite B, Carlsbad, CA, 92008
b/t Marron Rd & Osuna Dr
Carlsbad
Nearby public transportation stops & stations:
1.6 miEl Camino Real
1.8 miRancho Del Oro
1.9 miCarlsbad
Categories:
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Bussiness info

Accepts Credit Cards
Yes
Accepts Apple Pay
Yes
Parking
Private Lot
Bike Parking
Yes
Wheelchair Accessible
Yes

Today

Today 10:00 am – 7:00 pm
Closed now
Local time (Carlsbad) 06:19 Friday, 23 May 2025

Business hours

Monday 10:00 am – 7:00 pm
Tuesday 10:00 am – 7:00 pm
Wednesday 10:00 am – 7:00 pm
Thursday 10:00 am – 7:00 pm
Friday 10:00 am – 7:00 pm
Saturday 9:00 am – 6:00 pm
Sunday 10:00 am – 6:00 pm

Description

Specialties

Running Specialty Store. We offer the top brands in Running Shoes as well as all things related to running and walking. Check out our extensive supply of running apparel and come participate in our Thursday evening Fun Runs that start and end at the store. We are all runners here and we are ready to help you with whatever your running needs may be.

History

Established in 1977.

In 1977, a small running specialty store, the Running Center, was born in a packing house near the railroad tracks in Rialto, California.

That was a long time ago, and the Running Center has emerged from that small store in Rialto, California to a leading source for technical running gear in three locations in Southern California.

Family owned and operated, we are all about making it personal. Whether you are visiting one of our three brick and mortar locations or visiting us online, we want you to feel the Running Center difference. We are athletes helping fellow athletes. We do not drive sales with commissions or quotas. We work hard to insure you are happy with the quality of the product and the service you receive. Come check out the Running Center experience!

Meet the Business Owner

Nancy C.

Business Owner

Is customer service a dying art? Not at the Running Center it isn’t! People think we sell Running Shoes, Running Apparel, Socks, Gear, Electronics and Nutrition for the runner, and we do, but we are really in the people business. We are all about service and creating loyal, lifelong customers. The way we do that is to offer all the top brands of running shoes, the latest running fashion and the cutting edge gadgets and gear. Then we hire good people and train them well. This is the key to our success! We love what we do and it shows. Come visit us and experience the Running Center difference for yourself!

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20 reviews of Running Center

No registration required
Place rating: 5
Vista, CA
Great customer service and selection! They helped me pick out a pair of shoes that were great for my feet
Place rating: 5
San Marcos, CA
This place is truly the BEST when it comes to purchasing running shoes. I always feel valued when coming here. Also appreciate the expertise and attention to detail. Great customer service from Diana who helped me today! Thank you!
Place rating: 5
Jacksonville, NC
This is a top notch store for the following reasons. First they analyze your stride using a camera, second they select shoes based off their assessment of the footage and your needs, third they work with you to find the best shoe possible all the while providing deep knowledge of the products and how the features can help you run better or more comfortably. All of this wrapped up in the best customer service and you’ve got a great shopping experience. Whether you’re a pro or a newcomer just starting to run again this is the shop to go to. At the time of me writing this there was an awesome 100 $ for 60 $ deal on groupon.
Place rating: 5
Vista, CA
Sometimes things just don’t go as they should. This was the case when I posted my bad review last week.
The owner and also the customer service manager were quick to respond and have assured me that the customer experience is the top priority at the Running Center.
They did their best to make it right.
Thank you!
Place rating: 5
San Marcos, CA
Today the running store has lost my business. I’m a personal trainer and a runner and have sent many customers to this store. I myself have been a customer for 15 years. When I walked into the store today (1pm) I was not greeted. One sales man was preoccupied selling shoes to his family member or friend. He completely ignored me. After 15 minutes I asked the other salesman behind the counter (long gray hair) if he could help me with shoes. He acted annoyed and didn’t offer an apology or offer to help me. I mentioned that I had been waiting for some help for 15 minutes and hadn’t even been greeted and he said he was busy handling a problem and didn’t offer an apology for the wait. This is such poor customer service that I left and will never return. I will also never recommend this store again.
I placed a bad review but since then the management and owner have contacted me and gone to great efforts to assure me that this is a one time occurrence and they are committed to great service. Im pleased with their quick response and will give them another chance!
Place rating: 5
San Diego, CA
I’ve been running for as long as I can remember, but after college, my knees took a toll on me and I stopped with the marathons, cross country and the sprinting. This also means I need much more support for my feet now so my knees won’t take all the strain.
I came here a few weeks ago to get fitted for my feet since I feel like the arch has somewhat changed through the years. Sure enough, that was the case and I had to get custom fitted. I loved the customer service here and no one forced me to get anything. I did end up walking away with a few pairs of sneakers that would have cost so much more had I went anywhere else.
I have since then started running on the treadmill and light jogging outdoors again and with no discomfort after 6 – 10 miles. I might try to run a half marathon again if this comfort stays with me. However, I’m not training for anything at the moment, just trying to get back to what I love doing.
Place rating: 4
Oceanside, CA
Expensive but great service. I suppose they should get five stars because it isn’t their fault the products are pricey. The service people took the time to get me the right fitting shoes for my orthotics. I work 12 hour shifts and will never buy anything else but the HOKA shoe!
Place rating: 5
Redlands, CA
If you are like me and have a difficult time finding the right running shoes, and have spent days researching online, stop wasting your time.
Dahlia or Jr. Are so helpful, friendly, and informed that within 30 minutes they will have analyzed your stride with their in-​store testing equipment, helped you into the right shoes, and you will be out the door.
I seriously wish people would tip them for the time they spend with you. Their expertise is worth every penny you spend, and when you go there you will see what I mean!
Place rating: 5
San Marcos, CA
Thank you to The Running Center for hosting a great team night for our middle school cross-​country team. Dahlia was great about explaining the generous discounts on shoes and merchandise available to the team. She also had pizza, water, fruit and raffle prizes available for the athletes and families. Dahlia, Vanessa, Junior and Bryant were very knowledgeable and patient with the athletes in analyzing their gait and fitting them with proper shoes.
The store may not be huge but they more than make up for it with their staff who are all runners themselves and with the merchandise they carry or are willing to order. I hope The Running Center continues to do well as a business and with their community outreach.
Place rating: 5
San Marcos, CA
This is the only shoe store that hasn’t given up on fitting my weird feet! Finally a size «E». I’ve
been told that shoes come in E width, but this is the first time my size has had a shoe in a men’s 9 ½ E.
I tried them out on the 5K Aloha run/​walk. My feet were not blistered or over fatigued. They are just a tad too wide, but my two pair of socks made it all work out. I think I’ve found a «winner.»
Many thanks to the Manager, Delia… oops sp! Thank you for not giving up on me!
I was wearing shoes from P.L. for many years. They quit making them. Now I have quality shoes!
Place rating: 5
Oceanside, CA
It was nice to get good, quality service from a knowledgeable employee. Jose was kind, patient and gave me a relaxed custom fitting. This is the most I’ve spent on a pair of shoes ($ 120) but it was totally worth it.
Place rating: 5
Oceanside, CA
Just bought a pair of Brooks Ghost 4’s and the owner? was very helpful and pleasant. Shoes are bitchen! Great small shop experience.
Place rating: 5
San Diego, CA
I got into running a few years ago, and wish I knew about this store sooner! I was intimidated to come here at first but quickly learned their employees understand everyone from the casual runner to the superstar track kids.
The crew here has introduced me to my favorite shoes and gear, and while it does get busy in there (it’s a small local business), they have always been patient and let me try on shoes until I am happy with the perfect fit. Runners are a particular bunch, and the staff is all avid runners themselves. They will check how you walk/​run in the shoes to help you determine if the shoes are going to work for you in the long haul. If you sign up for their email there are often really good sale events. It doesn’t hurt that this store has the cutest running tanks and shorts and some of my favorite gear has come from this store.
The sock wall is my weakness, and the investment is totally worth it when your puppies are blister free and ready for more miles!
Come to the Thursday runs to test out various shoe brands by taking a run in them around the neighborhood. Warning that you may make friends and become part of the best run club in town.
This is my happy place for running goods!
Place rating: 5
Oceanside, CA
I’ve been coming to the Running Center for years. The staff is very helpful and knowledgeable. No high pressure sales. I have purchased many shoes from them, only 1 time had a problem with a shoe causing blisters on my heels. It wasn’t the store’s fault, but they let me return the shoe without any hassle and get another pair.
They offer informative clinics and resources to help you improve your running and be injury free. On fun run nights you can try on shoes so it’s a great way to really know what shoe will work for you. They also have fun events.
I highly recommend the Running Center.
Place rating: 1
Oceanside, CA
This place is very happy when your are buying shoes and extremely unprofessional and irritated when you are returning the shoes and asking for your money back. It happen to me and now it happen to my wife today. We will be staying with New Balance store in Cardiff.
Place rating: 5
Derry, NH
I cannot speak enough of the customer serivce at this store. I made a phone-​in purchase for one of my favorite running gear brands. DAHLIA was nothing but helpful with identifying available stock, making sizing suggestions, and sharing my enthusiasm for finding one of my favorite pieces. She never seemed bothered by the call (s) and was so amazingly nice; she made a live, possibly time-​consuming phone purchase pleasant and seamless. A true asset to her team!
I am on the east coast, and even with the time change, I was so impressed with the delivery speed of my item! I think I received it in less than 2 days. Faster than drones or prime, if you know what I mean ;)
I cannot wait to visit this store in peson, and will hopefully have the opportunity to do so this fall on a conference trip to Cali!
Place rating: 5
San Clemente, CA
New favorite running store.
Drove out of my way to an Asics store only to find that their selection and stuff was awful. Went to store locator on Asics site and found The Running Center.
Had the shoe I wanted in multiple sizes for reference and a perfect fit. Great selection of socks, apparel and accessories as well.
The staff is the true asset of this store with their knowledge, experience and expertise with running and the products they carry.
I will definitely be back.
Place rating: 5
Encinitas, CA
I have been coming to the Running Center for years now because they do such a great job fitting me in the right shoes. From triathlons to half and full marathons, I’ve never had a pair of shoes that didn’t work! Not only that, but this store has amazing events and is very active in the community… what more can you ask for?!
Andrew and Tyler have both fit me for shoes and been super helpful with encouraging me to try new brands and styles. And I cannot say enough about Dahlia, she has suggested everything from shoes and socks to nutrition and hydration. Her friendly personality takes over the store (in a good way!) and makes everyone feel at home, no matter their ability or experience.
Thanks so much to the Running Center for being a part of my health and fitness journey!
Place rating: 5
San Diego, CA
I was pretty cautious walking into this store because I was worried about being pressured into purchasing shoes or any of their any products. But as soon as I walked into the store the employees were extremely nice and concerned about my needs. They allowed me to take their gait analysis and they gave me shoe/​sock recommendations. The best thing about this experience is that the workers made me feel like I was already a part of their running community. They invited me to join their fun runs and assured me that I won’t be the only straggler in the back. This store has a very personal touch and I had no problem purchasing running shoes and socks from them. I fact, I will be back as soon as I become confident enough in my running to take part in their fun runs ASAP. I can’t wait for that moment.
Place rating: 5
Carlsbad, CA
Family owned business with a great staff that are friendly and have the necessary expertise to help runners of all levels. Both Lauren and Jamie helped me pick out replacements for my Asics Kayano’s. After watching my run on their indoor track Lauren made a few suggestions. I tried on the HOKA ONE ONE shoes and knew immediately that I was going home with them. Very comfortable like little cloud hugs for your feet. At $ 160 some would find it a little pricey but I would argue that it is money well spent to get the right shoe and avoid unnecessary injury or discomfort. Far from elite runner, I’ve gone to other local running stores but have never felt as welcome as I did today at the Running Center. Seriously, the Running Center has become my favorite running store and Lauren & Jamie my go-​to experts for shoes, apparel, etc.
Thanks for the wonderful service!