How Running Stores Are Weathering COVID-19

Ever since COVID-19 forced NYC’s local, nonessential small businesses to close at the end of March, runners have lost in-person access to two of our favorite haunts: Jack Rabbit and Brooklyn Running Company.

Most of us might be putting extra miles on the running shoes and gear we have, donating new and gently used items to friends who need them, or going online to purchase new items directly from Amazon, Running Warehouse, or from the manufacturer of our favorite products.

However, you still can (and should!) support your local running shops while we wait for the quarantine to end.

At the time of publication of this post, NYC’s quarantine end date has moved from May 15 to May 28th. Here’s how the two shops have adapted to accommodate customers, and how you can support them until re-opening day.

JACK RABBIT
Remember the days when we could just hop into Jack Rabbit before our monthly meetings at Da Nonna Rosa, meet up to socialize with other runners and team members, and grab last-minute run or race-day items? Hopefully the above photo brings back some of that nostalgia.

In the meantime, the store has been operating as a concierge service, filling web and phone orders and offering virtual gait analysis. If you call one of their stores to order an item, you’ll get 1-day shipping on your order. “Jack Rabbit has an opening strategy in place as soon as the state mandate is lifted,” says Whitney Andrews, manager of Jack Rabbit Brooklyn. “Once we do, we’ll have curbside pick-up, contactless delivery, and appointment-based shopping.” Until then, there’s someone at the store 7 days a week to assist you with your order.

For the latest updates and stock availability, visit Jack Rabbit Brooklyn on Facebook or follow them on Instagram. You can also place an order by phone at 917-780-4446.

BROOKLYN RUNNING COMPANY
Similar to Jack Rabbit, Brooklyn Running Company has also adapted to accommodate the needs of runners during COVID-19 store closures while observing social distancing, taking website orders and offering gift card sales. “It’s been humbling and gratifying to feel all the community support during this unprecedented time,” said Sarah McKinney, manager of Brooklyn Running Company’s Park Slope store. Customers can place orders for contactless pickup, and will receive free shipping on all online orders.

They’re also working on maintaining a sense of community for runners, starting with the Brooklyn Mile race, which will be held virtually this year. You can run it anytime between June 19-21 after you register; all proceeds will benefit NYC’s COVID-19 Emergency Relief Fund.

For the latest updates and stock availability, visit BRC on Facebook or follow them on Instagram. You can also contact them via email at info@brooklynrunningco.com, or by phone: 718-782-7866 (Williamsburg), or 347-916-1173 (Park Slope).

Written and produced by: Alison Kotch
Photos courtesy of: Jack Rabbit Brooklyn + Brooklyn Running Company