What You Should know About Twin Cities Running Company
As you drive by the Twin Cities Running Company Eden Prairie store, you’ll likely see a big RV parked outside. This rolling running wagon is one of the signatures that makes TCRC standout in the local Twin Cities Running market.
When you walk into Twin Cities Running Company, you may be overwhelmed with the vast selection of products. From trail gear to road gear, track spikes to distances shoes, TCRC in Eden Prairie has it all.
In business since 2007, TCRC is the southwest suburbs go to running store. Located at 6405 City West Pkwy B5 in Eden Prairie, they provide a level of expertise and professionalism not unlike other running stores in the metro. They opened a second location in Maple Grove in 2013.
What is Twin Cities Running Company?
I had the opportunity to talk with Kurt Decker, General Manager and 19 year vet of the local running retail scene, about what makes TCRC standout.
“We were born as a Run n Fun, but have since forged our own way.” says Decker. They strive to be the friendly running store. “We’re kind of like your local bar - dirty in the way you like it to be dirty.” He went on to say that the store has a familiarity and family feel to it. There’s a consistency and predictability in the quality of service and depth of product offerings.
Dani Stack, contributing blogger, Team USA MN member, and TCRC employee says, “TCRC is a unique store that places customers above anything else.”
The store is also clean.
TCRC was one of the first stores in the area to jump into trail running. As it has grown in popularity, they’ve made a push to be the one stop shop. “If you need a hydration vest for the trails, we’re going to carry as many options as we can, so you can see and compare them all right in store.” says Decker.
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Local Race Sponsorship
TCRC partners with Rocksteady Running to host the Endless Summer Trail running series. This series of several races takes place on week nights, at various parks and trail heads across the metro. They are awesome!
In addition to the Endless Summer series, they’re also involved with the:
- Brian Kraft 5k
- Superior “Spring” Trail Races 25KM and 50KM
- Zumbro Endurance Run 100MI | 50MI & 17MI
- Superior “Fall” Trail Race 100MI | 50MI & 26.2MI
It’s a way for them to not only extend their brand, but partner with some races that exist to support causes they believe in.
Group Runs at Twin Cities Running Company
If you’re looking for running encouragement, stop by TCRC. They have group runs on Monday, Wednesday and Saturday. These training groups are designed to help new and seasoned runners alike. Decker describes it as “a social setting that will help push everyone.”
In addition to the running club, they have an Ultra training class. This will help you train for the complexities of running an ultra marathon (anything beyond 26.2 miles).
They also have a couple of runners on staff who offer individual coaching upon request.
Shoe Fitting Philosophy
I often get asked by friends, family or random people via social media, “how do I buy running shoes?” Decker had a great answer that I will use in the future.
He said, “our number one goal is to figure out what the runner wants - get some feedback about their history and their goals. It’s like putting a puzzle together. First we need to get all the pieces laid out before we start putting it together.”
I appreciate that because it’s easy to jump into recommending a pair of shoes without knowing what is appropriate for the runner.
When it comes to fitting, most of the running stores in the area have similarities; look at the runners feet, arches, maybe walk, squat, etc. Wherever you go to get fitted, make sure the person fitting you is listening to you, not just putting you in the latest model of X shoe!
Your Experience with TCRC
Have you been to one of the TCRC locations? What has been your experience? Leave us a comment below.
