Charm City Run of Bel Air Named Running Store of the Year

BEL AIR, MD — Charm City Run in Bel Air was named the Store of the Year for 2016 by Competitor and Running Insight magazines, which partner annually to identify the top 50 best running stores in America. Readers nominate businesses, which are then subject to an evaluation process that includes mystery shopping and a review of community involvement, among other factors.

Charm City Run donates 1 percent of proceeds to community organizations and hosts multiples races each year, which helped it stand out from the pack. Its owner also believes the business is more than sport.

"We are not in the shoe and apparel business — we are in the inspiration business, and maybe that is why despite all odds, we can survive in a world where you can click a button and have a product at your house the next day," Charm City Run founder Josh Levinson wrote on the store's blog.

"Staying competitive is all about the experience, one at a time," Levinson said. "So no matter who walks in our door, they're gonna feel special."

Charm City Run was honored Dec. 1 at The Running Event, a trade show for the industry in Orlando, Florida.

Other finalists for 2016 store of the year include Fleet Feet in Tennessee, Tortoise and Hare Sports in Michigan and Hanson's Running Shop in Arizona, according to Competitor magazine.

Charm City Run is located at 126 South Main Street in Bel Air.