About the Store
Croton Running Company is a locally owned and operated specialty running store located in the heart of Croton-on-Hudson, New York. Founded with the mission to serve runners of all abilities and experience levels, the store has established itself as a vital hub for the local running community. Unlike large chain sporting goods stores, Croton Running Company offers personalized service and expert guidance tailored to each customer’s unique running needs, whether they’re just beginning their running journey or are seasoned ultramarathoners.
The welcoming atmosphere of Croton Running Company reflects the inclusive philosophy of its founders, who believe that running is accessible to everyone. The store’s knowledgeable staff includes experienced runners who understand the technical aspects of running gear and can provide valuable insights based on their own experiences on the road and trail. This expertise allows them to recommend the ideal footwear, apparel, and accessories that match each customer’s gait, foot structure, running style, and performance goals, resulting in a more comfortable and injury-free running experience.
Beyond simply selling running equipment, Croton Running Company has positioned itself as an integral part of the local running ecosystem. The store actively fosters a sense of community among runners in the Hudson Valley region by organizing regular group runs, supporting local races, and partnering with schools and youth athletic programs. This community-centric approach has transformed the store from merely a retail space into a gathering point where runners can connect, share experiences, and motivate each other to achieve their personal running objectives.
Products and Equipment:
Croton Running Company offers a comprehensive selection of running essentials carefully curated to meet the diverse needs of their customer base. The footwear department forms the cornerstone of their inventory, featuring technical running shoes from leading brands that cover every running scenario from road racing to trail adventures. Each shoe model is selected based on performance, reliability, and suitability for various foot types and running styles. The store’s technical running apparel section includes moisture-wicking shirts, shorts, tights, and outerwear designed specifically for runners, with options suitable for all weather conditions throughout the seasons. Specialized accessories complete the product lineup, including GPS watches and fitness trackers for performance monitoring, hydration systems ranging from handheld bottles to technical vests for long-distance runs, nutritional products specifically formulated for runners’ energy needs, injury prevention items such as foam rollers and massage tools, and visibility gear for safe running in low-light conditions. The store regularly updates its inventory to incorporate the latest innovations in running technology while maintaining a core selection of trusted products that have proven their value to the local running community over time.
Special Services
Croton Running Company distinguishes itself through specialized services designed to enhance the running experience of its customers. The cornerstone of these services is their comprehensive gait analysis, where staff members observe customers’ running patterns using video technology to identify the optimal footwear for their specific biomechanics. This personalized approach to shoe fitting helps prevent injuries and improves running efficiency. The store offers regular shoe clinics and demo days where customers can test new models on actual runs before making a purchase decision, ensuring satisfaction with their investment in quality running shoes.
The store’s commitment to the community extends through their organized group runs that cater to various experience levels and schedules. These include Thursday evening runs from The Green Growler in Croton, early Friday morning runs from Matters Coffee, and Saturday morning women-only runs that explore different routes each week. For dedicated runners seeking to improve their performance, the store connects customers with local running coaches and training programs suited to their goals, whether preparing for a first 5K or an ultramarathon. Croton Running Company also maintains strong relationships with local high school track and cross-country teams, offering special team fittings and discounts for student athletes. The store’s mailing list provides subscribers with updates on upcoming events, training tips, and exclusive promotions, while their active social media presence keeps the community engaged and informed about local running opportunities and store activities.
Payment Methods
Croton Running Company offers flexible payment options to accommodate the diverse preferences of their customer base. The store accepts all major credit and debit cards, including Visa, MasterCard, American Express, and Discover, ensuring convenient transactions for most shoppers. Cash payments are always welcome for those who prefer traditional transaction methods. For customers who are frequent runners and regular store patrons, Croton Running Company offers a loyalty program that provides points on purchases that can be redeemed for discounts on future items, effectively rewarding customer dedication and encouraging repeat business. The store occasionally offers seasonal payment plans for higher-priced items such as premium GPS watches or comprehensive running packages including shoes, apparel, and accessories. Local high school and college running teams benefit from special team payment arrangements where coaches can coordinate bulk purchases with invoicing options. Gift cards are available in various denominations, making them perfect presents for the runners in one’s life, especially during holiday seasons or for celebrating running milestones. For race directors and running clubs organizing events, the store offers specialized billing arrangements for bulk purchases of race supplies or participant gifts.
Online Presence
Croton Running Company maintains a user-friendly website at crotonrunningcompany.com that extends their community-focused approach to the digital realm. The website serves as an information hub for both current and prospective customers, featuring details about their product offerings, special events, and community initiatives. Visitors can join the store’s mailing list directly through the website to receive timely updates about new merchandise arrivals, seasonal sales, and upcoming running events in the area. The site also includes a dedicated section for coaches and youth athletic programs to register for special offers and team discounts. While the website provides an overview of available products, the store emphasizes the importance of in-person fittings for running shoes, encouraging online browsers to visit the physical location for the full Croton Running Company experience. Beyond their website, the store maintains an active Facebook page where they share running tips, celebrate customer achievements, and announce details about their organized group runs. The “CRC Ladies Run” Facebook group specifically supports their women’s Saturday morning runs, building a specialized community within their broader running network. Through these digital platforms, Croton Running Company effectively extends their reach beyond business hours and physical location, ensuring continuous engagement with the running community they serve.
Community Events and Group Runs
Croton Running Company stands apart from typical retail establishments through its extensive calendar of community events and organized running activities. The store hosts several weekly group runs that have become fixtures in the local running community’s schedule. Thursday evening runs starting at 6:00 PM from The Green Growler combine exercise with social interaction, often concluding with participants enjoying refreshments together. Early risers can join the Friday morning runs at 5:30 AM from Matters Coffee, getting their workout completed before the workday begins. The women-only Saturday morning runs at 9:00 AM explore varied routes each week, creating a supportive environment for female runners of all abilities.
Beyond regular group runs, Croton Running Company organizes seasonal events that bring the running community together for special occasions. These include holiday-themed fun runs, charity events supporting local causes, and celebration runs marking store anniversaries or other milestones. The store frequently hosts educational workshops focusing on topics relevant to runners, such as nutrition seminars with sports dietitians, injury prevention clinics with physical therapists, and training methodology sessions with experienced coaches. Vendor demonstration days allow customers to test the latest running technologies and products in real-world conditions before making purchase decisions. The store also maintains connections with local race directors, serving as an information resource and sometimes as a registration point for upcoming races in the Hudson Valley region. Through this robust calendar of events, Croton Running Company cultivates a vibrant running community that extends far beyond transactional relationships, creating lasting connections among runners who might otherwise train in isolation.
Training Support and Resources
Croton Running Company goes beyond traditional retail services by providing comprehensive training support to runners at all stages of their development. The store offers customized training plan consultations where staff members with coaching experience help customers create realistic and progressive programs tailored to their specific goals, whether preparing for a first 5K or improving marathon performance. These individualized approaches consider factors such as current fitness level, time constraints, and preferred training environments to ensure sustainable progress and injury prevention.
For those seeking more structured guidance, the store maintains connections with certified running coaches in the area and can facilitate these professional relationships based on a runner’s specific needs and objectives. The store organizes periodic form clinics where runners receive feedback on their running technique, with simple adjustments often leading to improved efficiency and reduced injury risk. As part of their commitment to youth development, Croton Running Company provides specialized resources for high school runners and their parents, including guidance on appropriate training volume, recovery practices, and nutritional considerations for young athletes. The store’s staff regularly shares current research and best practices in running science through their newsletter and social media platforms, helping customers stay informed about developments that might enhance their training. By serving as both an equipment provider and a knowledge resource, Croton Running Company enables runners to make informed decisions about their training approaches, contributing to more positive running experiences and long-term participation in the sport.
