TRS: Canada’s Oldest Independent Running Retailer

The Runner’s Shop is Canada's oldest independently-owned specialty running store.

Since 1975, we’ve been helping runners, walkers and fitness enthusiasts of all ages and abilities find the right gear, train with a supportive community, and maintain an active, healthy lifestyle.   

The Runner’s Shop was started by David Ellis, an elite runner who competed for both Great Britain and Canada in the Commonwealth and Olympic Games. In 1997, Dave passed the baton to Elaine McCrea, a competitive runner with a background in running retail and kinesiology.

When Elaine retired in 2018, she handed over the keys to Lynn Bourque, a Masters runner who had been a TRS patron and run club member for at least 20 years. After a long and successful career working at many of Toronto’s top restaurants, Lynn saw The Runner’s Shop as an excellent way to combine her twin passions – running and customer service! 

We talk the talk, walk the walk …. and run the run

Lynn and her team are proud to carry on the tradition of the independent running store. We offer exceptional product knowledge and decades of relevant experience.

Whether you stop by in person or connect with us online, you'll meet our staff – friendly runners all.

We understand how important it is to be physically active. Nothing makes us happier than helping our customers get fit, stay healthy and reach their goals – whether that’s running your first 5k or qualifying for Boston.

Our recent move to a street-level shop at 374 Bloor Street West, a few blocks west of the original location, is just one of the many new ideas we have for continually enhancing our customers’ experience.

Canada’s oldest running store moves above ground

Committed to our community

TRS will continue to be firmly committed to our community. We are a supporter of several local road races, triathlons and community fundraisers.

We love partnering with organizations that promote fitness and friendly competition, while providing an avenue for excellence in athletics.