Running Excels

Showed up to the store about ten minutes after close. Beverly was working late, saw me near the door, and let me in. It was refreshing not to be shut out.
Second time I’ve purchased shoes since moving back to the area. Both times, I was assisted by an employee who had a strong grasp of what shoe fit my running style.
From novices to dedicated runners, I highly recommend this place. Outstanding service and product knowledge.

I’ve purchased most of my running shoes here. They are pretty knowledgeable about running gear and are runners themselves. They also offer a free gait analysis! Will be stopping by soon to purchase another pair.

They were extremely helpful in finding me inserts and socks for plantar fasciitis. My feet were killing me – there were days I could hardly walk, and that is not an exaggeration – and I tried many different shoes and inserts, but it wasn’t until I went here and was directed to the right products (which were less expensive than they would be at Dick’s or The Walking Company) as well as other resources that I found some relief. The woman who sold me the products directed me to a few websites that show how to deal with plantar fasciitis. She herself suffered from plantar fasciitis and, as a runner, knew the science behind foot and leg problems. I am grateful for her time and her ability to explain all of this to me. Like I said, there were days where I could hardly walk. It was getting ridiculous.
Locally owned! That’s usually enough for me, but combined with competitive pricing and a staff who knows what they are talking about, and there’s no reason to go anywhere else on the SW Side. I’ll be back.

Great people who know what their doing. If you want something and they don’t have it, they will go out of their way to get it. Plus, the run groups are great, filled with friendly people, any pace, any experience, runner or walker doesn’t matter, it only matters if your doing it. Thanks for being apart of the community.

Great staff, and 3/​week group runs/​walks! You have to check this store out!

Hands down the best running store I have been to. All other stores seem detached and a bit distant from their customers.
Bev and Jim absolutely love running and it shows in their interactions with their customers. Always helpful and kind while shopping in the store, Bev helped me figure out some solutions to feet issues and answers all my questions whenever I am in there. Jim helped with some idea for cross training and recovering from an injury. These two truly love what they do.
Other workers have been helpful and very kind. All their prices are comparable with other running shops, but this shop has the right feel and atmosphere. Even if something was a little more expensive I would be willing to buy from here because of the experience I get with the purchase.

As a first time runner, I’m happy I came to Running Excels. I signed up for my first 5K to support a local event, and with Running Excels as a sponsor, I wanted to thank them for their support too.
The selection is small if you’re hoping for style points, but right on the money if you’re looking for a staff that knows their product and how to fit you properly. They watch your stride, film you on the treadmill, and with a step-​on pad analyze your arch before bringing out several pairs of shoes to try on. I was happy with their attentive service, comfortable in my new kicks, and even finished my first 5K!

Finally, it’s great to have a local running store! Employees are very nice and helpful. So glad I don’t have to make the trek into the city or the burbs anymore :)

After two years of trekking to Fleet Feet on my lunch break, I’m estatic to finally have (discovered — apparently they’ve been there about a year) a local running store!
The owners (Jim and Beverly) are as knowledgable as they are friendly. Jim was with another customer when I walked into the store, but I was immediately greeted and acknowledged. During the fitting, Jim was very chatty asking about my races and running in general. He even convinced me to check out the Saturday morning running group. And I’m glad he did!
The Saturday morning group run is awesome! There were way more people than I expected which meant the was someone run with even at my slower pace. Everyone I’ve met has been wonderful to run and talk with. (I imagine the Tuesday and Thursday group runs are equally as awesome, but I don’t get home from work early enough to make it to these.) Running with people is far better than running alone, and I’ve been jealous of my city friends who can run with the many Fleet Feet group runs. I’m so glad Running Excels has made my hate my friends a little less!
Oh, and prices seem right on par with other running stores I’ve visited.

I attend the fun runs here and everyone is nice and helpful. The owners are passionate runner who are helpful and informative.

I finally got around to visiting this store! They owners were a delight! My neighbor (Jeanne S.) was absolutely right about how nice and knowledgeable they are! I plan to join them on one of the fun runs very soon! Look forward to Champaign in April! Thanks for the invite!

I am a very beginning runner, so walking into a running store was intimidating, but I was instantly put at ease and felt like I was treated like an elite runner. My gait was checked, and three different types of shoe were recommended to me. I’ve since been running in the shoes, and I was encouraged to join their weekly running group. This place was great.