Red Coyote Running and Fitness Named 2015 Running Store of the Year

Oklahoma City’s Red Coyote Running and Fitness was named the 2015 Running Store of the Year on Dec. 3 at The Running Event trade show in Austin, Texas.

The store, started in 2010 by Jon and Burke Beck, earned a spot on the prestigious 50 Best Running Stores of America list for the fifth time and was named a finalist for the third time. The program is co-organized annually by Competitor and Running Insight trade magazine.

“Jon, Burke and the entire staff at Red Coyote Running and Fitness exude passion for the local running community and have strived to help people change their lives, no matter what level of runner they might be,” said Competitor editor-in-chief Brian Metzler. “This award is a tribute to the commitment they bring to the Oklahoma City running community.”

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The 5,500-square-foot store is bright, clean, well-merchandised and has developed several wildly successful running programs, including its Pack Pint Runs, co-sponsored by a local brewery and often benefitting a good cause, and its Newbie Running Program that has attracted hundreds of beginner 5K runners since its implementation.

“When Burke and I met, we knew we shared a love for the sport of running,” Jon said. “We both loved helping people at our previous positions at the stores we started at and we really wanted to continue helping people achieve their goals. No day is ever the same, but we come in with the common goal of wanting to help make a healthier community.”

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The Becks credited their entire staff of 22 people for the success they have achieved and in helping create a family atmosphere within the store.

“The best part of going to work everyday is knowing we’re changing people’s lives,” Burke added. “I remember when I saw someone wearing one of our shirts for the first time and when I started to see our stickers around town. I was so excited that people were identifying with what we are doing.”

The store’s name was inspired by the owners’ runner dog Pancho, who resembles a red coyote.

“Over a beer on our first date, Jon and I talked about how we would both love to own a running store someday,” Burke said. In 2010, they moved back to Oklahoma City, Burke’s hometown, to open Red Coyote.

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Other 2015 running store award winners named at The Running Event included:

2015 Canadian Running Store of the Year
Rackets & Runners, Vancouver, B.C.

Ubuntu Award for Giving Back
Matt and Katie Helbig, Big River Running, St. Louis, Mo.

Just Do It Award
Christi Beth Adams, Fleet Feet Nashville, Nashville, Tenn.

Never Stop Exploring Award
West Hartford Fleet Feet, West Hartford, Conn.