Popular Kapahulu running shop to close after 50 years in business

HONOLULU (HawaiiNewsNow) – The finish line is near for the Running Room along Kapahulu.

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“They have been the best running shoe store in the islands, you know, bar none,” marathon coach and loyal Running Room customer Brian Clarke said.

The store has been a must-stop shop for runners of all skill levels for five decades.

“I started running last year as a New Year’s resolution. Ran my first marathon in November and then did the Honolulu Marathon in December,” Kailua runner Mark Traylor said.

The closeout sale attracted even beginners hunting for deals on running gear. Malia Wong and Sachi Matsushita admit they’re not frequent runners, but they are starting to increase their daily steps.

“Our goal this summer is to walk the campus in the morning before work starts,” Matsushita said. Wong added she signed up for the Hapalua Half Marathon later this year.

Running Room management says the building was bought in April, and a restaurant will soon move in. The Canadian owners of the company tried to find another location, but were unable to do so in time.

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Inventory is limited in the store’s final days. Even shelves and furniture are up for sale as they work to clear the building by the end of the month.

Loyal customers say the passion and honesty of the team is what kept them coming back.

“Gaston is a really good manager and he’s been in the business. And he’s enthusiastic and passionate about selling shoes, and people that wanna buy shoes, you know,” Clarke said. “I’m gonna miss him.”

“This is one place that I know of that’s kind of locally known, so it’s kind of sad to see local businesses leave,” Matsushita said.

When asked where he’ll now get his running gear, Traylor said, “Sadly, probably gonna have to join the online wave, go scavenge the internet for good deals. But it was always good to see all the local sales that they had here.”

Running Room’s closing date was actually pushed back. Its final day in business is set for Friday, June 26.

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