Runners Forum: Run, Walk & Triathlon Experts

Writer & Photographer  /  Kathi Moore

It’s 9 a.m. Saturday morning in Broad Ripple and dozens of people are walking around in brightly colored wicking fabrics, stretching, hydrating and enjoying pre and post- running camaraderie. Breakfast and coffee shops are full and the Monon Trail is teeming with runners, walkers, cyclists, strollers and dogs.

And in the thick of it all is a new running/walking/triathlon store called Runners Forum, located in the old Chelsea’s location. Actually it’s an old store (since 1978), but new to the Broad Ripple community. (Please note the plaque in the center of the store that pays homage to Chelsea’s.)

Why Broad Ripple?

“Being part of Indianapolis’ running and walking community for nearly forty years, the Runners Forum has built a strong customer base in the active community of Broad Ripple as well as surrounding neighborhoods. Our customers in this area have been traveling to any one of our other five locations because they trust our expert service,” said co-owner Tom BonDurant. “The lifestyle of Broad Ripple tends to be more healthy and active, with easy access to great places to run, so it was a natural for us to be here.”

The store is built on three principals, which Broad Ripple store manager Jesse Davis shared. Number one is the process of running, he said. He should know; he runs 90-100 miles per week himself and has won and placed in nearly every local marathon, plus placing in the Olympic Trials. He pointed out the importance of learning your own foot structure and gait uniqueness before buying a pair of shoes. There is a running track down the center of the store to allow staffers to analyze your gait as you naturally run and then fit you with the proper type of shoe.

Steve Santer is a friendly sight at the counter

The second principal the store is passionate about is shoe technology and naturally relates to the process of running already mentioned. Shoes purchased at mass merchandisers are often at a lower level of quality than a specialty store, Davis pointed out, and may not cater to your needs. There are very specific features about shoes that could actually harm you if it’s the wrong shoe for your unique foot and gait.

The third principal is community involvement, according to Davis. Runners Forum offers free clinics and shoe talks at local schools, they engage with the community, and they also feature a program called Good Form Running which teaches how to run faster, easier and injury free. They also sponsor local events and often feed Indy Runners on the Monon Trail on the weekends.

Michael Smith, co-owner, explained, “The Runners Forum was one of the first of its kind in the country, helping pioneer the concept of gait analysis and professional shoe fitting. As running evolved into a mainstream form of exercise, the Runners Forum became the trusted resource throughout Indiana’s running and walking community.”

BonDurant added, “Our stores are inviting and inclusive, all of our staff run, so they are uniquely qualified to understand our customers’ needs and provide advice based on first-hand experience. We take time with our customers and we guarantee our service; you just don’t find that in many businesses or with Internet companies these days”.

But what about the competition, you ask? Davis said choices are good for discerning customers. With so many people in the area involved in fitness sports such as walking, running and triathlons, it is good to have choices of retailers who may have different areas of specialty.

Smith added, “As the first running and walking specialty store in Indiana, we expected others may follow our example. We focus on one customer at a time, finding out how we can help them achieve their goals and work to build a long term relationship.” Davis mentioned that even Chelsea’s owners Ellen and David Matthews were his “fit” customers for years. Now retired, they own the building.

Find many helpful resources on the in their store as well as on RunnersForum.com.

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