Page 9, Issue #4, October 2015

HRC RUN ON COMMUNITY, CHARITY, & COMMERCE By Kacey Ragland, Talent Acquisition Manager

When it comes to championing social equity, Healdsburg Running Company (“HRC”) outpaces the rest. Founded in December 2014, the downtown Healdsburg retail running store connects with the community in many ways. “Community was one of the main pillars of what we wanted to do. We wanted to serve the community with integrity and create a fun way to be fit,” said James McCanne, General Manager. Three times a week, HRC hosts free runs and walks. Both the Tuesday run, dubbed Healdsburg Running Ladies, and the Thursday run, aka Family Fun Run, depart the store at 6 pm. Four legged friends on leash and strollers are a common sight on these 2-4 mile circuits throughout downtown Healdsburg or along Dry Creek Road. For those who prefer trails and natural settings, the Saturday Trail Runs launch at 8 am. These trail runs are 3-8 miles in length, family and canine friendly, and may cover trails in Cloverdale, Lake Sonoma, Healdsburg’s Fitch Mountain, or Shiloh Park and Foothill Regional Park in Windsor. The run schedule is listed on the HRC Website. Full Moon

Runs held at night include miner style head lamps. Pub Runs are held the last Tuesday of each month. Staff positioned midway along the routes, hand out water and hydration beverages and offer words of encouragement.

The running nights bring people together, but also grow awareness of local businesses. McCanne continued, “One of the things we love about Healdsburg specifically is the whole shop local vibe.” Weekday evening runs conclude at one of the nearby restaurants or

tasting rooms where wines are sampled or poured. An ice cream or gelato parlor may be the final destination on another night. Athletic shoe and garment suppliers are often on hand to promote their wares and offer customized advice and fittings. Healthcare professionals such as chiropractors and massage therapists have provided free consultation and services. The good that HRC does extends beyond city limits. A shoe repurposing program with drop off box inside the store invites donations of gently used athletic shoes. This program created by ShoeBox Recycling, Find your Solemate ™, allows the donor to write a unique SoleMate note which traces the path the shoes take to meet their new feet. The program aims to reduce waste going into landfills.

http://shoeboxrecycling.com/mission Community fundraising abounds and includes Girls on the Run dedicated to encouraging pre-teen girls to develop self-respect and healthy lifestyles through running games and a celebratory 5k race. All proceeds from their Healdsburg Running Camps benefit the Children of Vineyard Workers Scholarship Fund.

The store boasts repurposed materials including used wine barrels fashioned into shoe displays, benches, and tables. Walls are covered in reclaimed barn wood. Grape stake wainscot lines the Community Board in the Runner’s Lounge corner where one can read flyers about upcoming events, watch fitness videos, or read from their free library of running books. HRC offers walking, running, hiking, and gym shoes. A great

apparel selection includes shorts, jackets, shirts, tees, under and compression garments, leggings, and hats. Tourists love HRC for their Healdsburg branded merchandise. Energy bar options include organic, vegan and gluten free. When in the area, please visit HRC at 333 Center Street in Healdsburg and thank them for their focus on community.

The Runner’s Lounge –

Free Sports Library Wine Barrel Fixtures

Barrel Stave

HRC founded by Skip and Holly Brand and Faisal Javed

“Our mission is to help Healdsburg be ‘The Healthiest City in the World.’ HRC strives for the 3 C’s,

Community, Charity, & Commerce.”

Full event schedule and offerings available at: http://www.healdsburgrunningcompany.com

Reduce Landfill Waste