runner's image
Welcome
Since 1983 we've been 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 has 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 & Races
RI FALL TRAINING PROGRAM
Please join us for annual Runner's Image Fall Training Program. This 7 week program is geared towards beginning and intermediate walkers and runners -- most past participants are running at 9+ min/mile or walking at 15+ min/mile. You will be ready to compete in any race distance up to a 7k. The program culminates on Saturday, October 12th which is the date of Nik's Home Run 7k & 1.5 Mile Walk. Please note, entry fees to Nik's Home Run 7k & 1.5M are not included.
We will meet twice a week, Tuesdays at 6:00 pm and Saturdays at 7:00 am, for group training. Participants will be divided into smaller groups by pace. Each week you will receive a schedule which will include your walk/run workouts as well as some additional suggested training for strength, flexibility and injury prevention. You will also get a custom designed long sleeve shirt perfect for those cool fall days!
We will meet at Runner's Image for both our Tuesday evening and Saturday morning workouts utilizing the Rock River Recreation path as well as neighborhood streets north and south of State Street along the river for our workouts. For more fun we do our post-workout refueling and hydration at Carlyle Brewing Co. on Tuesdays and Crust & Crumbles on Saturdays, both of these are purely optional social gatherings--but we do have a lot of fun and it's a great way to get acquainted with your fellow participants!
Cost is $70 and a portion of the proceeds after expenses will go directly to the Nikolas Ritschel Foundation. Entry fees to Nik's Home Run 7k & 1.5M are not included.
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 41st year serving 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