Philadelphia Runner turns 10

November 8 is a big milestone birthday for an anchor in the Philadelphia running community. Philadelphia Runner, a running store that does so much more than sell shoes and fitness apparel, is turning 10 and they want everyone who has helped support them over the years celebrate with them.

While tomorrow is the official birth date, festivities kickoff tonight (11/8) when you are invited to go on a run with them at 6 p.m. at their original store at 16th and Sansom Streets, or if you can't make the run, stop by after for some special Philadelphia Runner's ale. The party begins at 7 p.m. They will also be holding a sidewalk sale today and tomorrow at their University City store. Feel free also to just stop by any of their 3 stores to say hi and celebrate with a cupcake.

For Bryan Mahon and Ross Martinson, co-owners of Philadelphia Runner, running has always been in their blood. 10 years ago when they started this venture, they had already been avid runners and in the running retail business for years.

"My partner and I worked at the Bryn Mawr Running Company in college and really enjoyed our time there working with runners and staying involved in a healthy environment," said Martinson, co-owner of Philadelphia Runner. "We also worked together at a company in Princeton."

Mahon originally partnered with the Bryn Mawr Running Company in the initial start up of the company and then Martinson bought them out and became co-owner six months later.

An important part of Martinson and Mahon's vision for their business has always been helping grow Philadelphia's running community. "Philadelphia had its standard running clubs back then, but we saw a need in the city for a central spot for running. We didn't just want to be a store," said Martinson.

"We are super fortunate that running has boomed in the city and that the city itself has boomed in general.," he added. "Center City has been growing and has become somewhere where people want to be."

When asked to describe Philly's running community, Martinson said, "It is amazing right now. While it doesn't have an overwhelming single presence like there is in New York City with the Road Runners Club, Philly has a great collection of groups and clubs."

"We have always thought of Philly as great running city, but now it is wonderful that others see it that way as well. Today there are so many different types of groups for everybody, not just standard running clubs. People of all shapes and running abilities are getting involved," he explained.

As a central hub of the city's running community, Philadelphia Runner has been an active part of the many growing running events and causes throughout the city. They launched their first run, The Philly 10K this past September and also partnered with Philadelphia Magazine  on the first ever Run to Work Day Philly. They even organized Team Philly Race Training to help people train for marathons and other races.

One of their most long-standing partnerships has been with Students Run Philly Style, a nonprofit that supports young runners ages 12 to 18.

"It has been an amazing and inspiring sight to see these young people develop as runners," Martinson said.

Students Run Philly Style is honoring Philadelphia Runner on November 13 at their Extra Mile Event.

The store itself has been growing by leaps and bounds as well. Now they have three locations: Center City, their original store at 16th and Sansom, as well as one in University City and one in Glenn Mills. And they hope to open another in Manayunk this winter.

Another big goal of Philadelphia Runner, especially in the last two years with the popularity of social media, has been to help any running group grow. "We have been getting pretty good vibes," Martinson said. "We work with many groups like West Philly Runners and Philly Runners. It's been neat to see that wherever you live in the city, there is probably a running group nearby."

They themselves also hold weekly running groups out of all three of their stores. Check their website for dates and times.

Looking to the future, Martinson said that they hope to add more running groups, especially a trail run in Manayunk after they open their store there and they hope to expand the Philly 10K and their Singles' Valentine's Day Run.

"Groups have really been growing the running boom. Running in a group has a great social aspect and you get to make good friends to celebrate and have fun with," Martinson said

I guess that explains the importance of that post workout pint. Don't miss your chance to take a run with Philadelphia Runner tonight and then celebrate with a beer or two.

Read more Sports Doc for Sports Medicine and Fitness.