How We Started
Run With Us was opened on February 1st 2000 by owners Peter and Maria Van Gansen. Despite the incredibly active and health conscious community, as well as the presence of the beautiful Rose Bowl where thousands of runners and walkers can be found exercising daily, Pasadena did not have a store that specialized in running. Run With Us sought to fill that void, and from the start got involved with all the local organizations, high schools, doctors and running clubs, firmly rooting itself in the welcoming community.
At first, the store was run solely by Peter and his wife Maria, who worked tirelessly to maintain their high standards in customer service as the store grew busier. Soon, though, Run With Us became so successful that more and more help was required; now it boasts one of the largest and most experienced staff in the industry, with over 110 years of combined experience.
Run With Us has always believed that it is essential to have runners helping runners—the staff has first hand experience with running injuries, training programs for everything from high school cross country to marathon racing, and most importantly, they know shoes! As you walk in the store you will be asked a few questions: What kind of injuries have you had? What kind of mileage are you doing? What are your goals? After that they will do a gait analysis and a balance test in order to help you find the perfect shoes for your foot type and for your particular activity, backing it all up with a 10 day guarantee.
Run With Us has been named “best running store” in Southern California by “Los Angeles” magazine and “LA Sports & Fitness” magazine, and “Best of Pasadena” for 9 straight years. Thanks to all its loyal customers and amazing community support, continues to be Pasadena’s premier running specialty store.
The Fitting Process: Runners Fitting Runners
The first step to total foot comfort is understanding a little bit more about your feet. Our feet are all unique to us, and come in many different shapes and sizes with particular characteristics and needs.
At Run With Us we use Aetrex’s patented iStep® Foot Scanning Technology which quickly identifies your arch type, foot size and pressure points. This revolutionary technology along with our staffs running expertise helps us select the ideal orthotic insert and running shoe for your particular needs. With the right orthotic style and in combination with the proper footwear, you can prevent unnecessary foot pain and achieve maximum foot comfort to help you maintain a healthy lifestyle and accomplish all your running goals.