runner's image
Welcome
We're here to help. Whether you're walking or running or something in between, our goal is to fit you in footwear that will make whatever distance you cover a pleasurable experience. Our process is fairly straightforward and generally takes 30 to 60 minutes, but we're happy to take as long as it requires. The team at Runner's Image have years of experience fitting clients of all types; young, old, fit or hoping to be, healthy or recovering from an injury, new to the sport or just starting up. To us, each case is a puzzle that we are aiming to solve.
We look forward to fitting you soon!
Steve, Lisa, Anthony, Bridget, Carol, Nino & Bob
Upcoming Events & News
TRAINING
RI Fall Training Program
TBA
This 7-week program is geared towards beginning and intermediate walkers and runners of all ages with the goal of having fun and getting you ready to complete a 5-8K distance. Nik's Home Run 7K is the program's goal race.
Stay tuned for further information.
WORKOUTS
Free Open Walk/Run
Starts Saturday 05/13/23
Open workouts for walkers and runners of all ages and abilities held Saturday mornings at 7 am and Tuesday evenings at 6 pm. Workouts begin and finish at Runner's Image.
Distances and paces vary, but in general these are easy workouts of between 3 and 5 miles. Workouts are usually followed with an optional informal get together at a local eatery-- a great way to meet up with some new friends!
RACES
New Products
Empower
Growth
SAUCONY RIDE 16
The 16th version of this long-standing neutral cushion shoe from Saucony is a must try if you're searching in this category.
The Ride 16 easily doubles as a staple mileage shoe and uptempo/workout shoe. This versatile daily workhorse is an excellent choice for a runner or walker looking for a shoe that can handle many efforts while still hammering away at miles.
Shop With Us
SHOP HOURS
TUE-FRI 2-7
SAT 10-3
SUN-MON Closed
815.963.2171
219 E. STATE ST.
ROCKFORD, IL
61104
Walk or Run with Us
TRAINING PROGRAMS
We have two training programs, one in the Spring and another in the Fall.
The Spring Training Program is 12 weeks long and geared for those wanting to complete a half-marathon. In the Fall, we have a 7- week program geared towards the 5-8K distance.
FUN RUNS & EVENTS
Throughout the year we organize a number of low-key social events which include fun run/walks, product demos and clinics. Information for these will be posted on
RI Spring Training walkers on a beautiful sunny morning at Kishwaukee F.P.
Training on the "Labyrinth" in Espenscheid F.P.
Just a bit of fun in the "Labyrinth"!
RI Spring Training walkers on a beautiful sunny morning at Kishwaukee F.P.
Then & Now
Runner's Image opened in 1983. The shop provided shoes and gear for area runners and it soon became a clearing house and center for "everything running" in the Northern Illinois region.
Since opening, Runner’s Image has cooperated with the Rockford Road Runners (RRR). Almost every club position has been filled at one time or another by RI staff and many RRR events as well as other local races have been managed and/or supported by the shop. We take an active role behind the scenes with a variety of local events. The shop has been responsible for starting or providing consultation for numerous races, all at no cost—this is one of many ways that we have contributed to our community.
In 2004, RI launched the first half marathon training program in the area--all proceeds benefitted the RRR. The RI Spring Training Program as it is now known, is now complemented by the RI Fall Training Program which is geared towards a 5-7k distance. Proceeds from both programs are split with a worthy charity, currently the Gold Star Mission and the Nikolas Ritschel Foundation.
Downtowns are the core and heart of any city. Our commitment to staying in this area has been challenging at times, but we are proud to have been part of the revitalization of the area, much of it driven by local, independent businesses like ours.
This is our 40th year of serving the Rockford and the surrounding communities and we will continue to quietly contribute where and when we can.
Hope to see you soon.
the runner's image crew