If you live in Northern Colorado and have tried running at some point, it is more than likely that you have heard of Runners Roost. Runners Roost is a Colorado-local running specialty store that provides expert advice for the elite who have been racing marathons for years to those who want to start run their first 5k, and everything in between. Runners Roost Fort Collins is a separate entity from the running store chain, but is still under the name “Runners Roost,” has been outfitting Fort Collins’ running community for 31 years. Tanton has devoted over nine years of his life to serving the Fort Collins running community and is the current manager at Runners Roost.
I grew up going to my local running store to be fitted for running shoes that I was 99% sure gave me special powers, boosting my confidence so much that they might as well have. Tanton is now my boss, and he has taught me more than how to assess whether someone needs a stability or neutral shoe and plays an influential role in the lives of many customers- perhaps without even his knowledge. Through working at two different running stores myself, I have been on both ends of the experience. Helping someone pursue their passion, by any means, is an important role to play in someone’s life. Read a chat with the guy who keeps the Fort Collins running community running.
Why did you start working at Runners Roost nine years ago?
I have been a lifelong runner and have always been a fan of the sport. I started working here while I was in college and thought it was a fun industry to be a part of.
Who is the main community Runners Roost serves?
We serve anyone with a healthy and active lifestyle. It is a wide range of people from everyday walkers to runners.
What responsibility do you feel you owe this community?
I think I owe the community a good product selection, expert staff, and a local feel. This allows people to get what they need to start perusing their goals, stay healthy, connect with the running community, and support a local business to give back.
What do you look forward to most about working at Runners Roost?
I enjoy helping someone navigate the decision of buying running gear, supporting people at races, and getting to see the whole training process of our regular customers. I like being a part of someone’s journey in more than one capacity.
What do shops like Runners Roost add to the running community?
The Fort Collins Runners Roost is definitely meeting the needs of the running community here. We have product to support people’s goals, resources for people to meet other runners, ways for people to engage in the community, and we give the opportunity to sign up for races.
What do you think businesses like Runners Roost will look like in ten years?
Similar, but probably struggling. Unfortunately, I think that running gear will turn into a luxury good simply because of the high demand that is continually being met by new technology. Self-imposed perceptions of the gear you “need” to have for running will cause products to be priced higher, creating a barrier to entry.
How do you think the needs of the community will change in the next ten years?
I know that people will continue to need local expert staff. I think that with the increase in popularity for medical specialists assisting in athletics our staff will need to be even more knowledgeable to help people continue to be healthy while running.
How does the running community affect the larger community in Fort Collins, and in other cities in Northern Colorado?
The running community absolutely plays a big role in Fort Collins. It contributes to why people want to move here. Having access to the outdoors and ways to be active is a big determining factor for people when deciding where to live.
Well, next time you’re wondering why masses of people are running the roads of Fort Collins at the crack of dawn on Saturday morning, think about the journey it took from the entire community to get them there.
