Fleet Feet Sports announced the opening of the brand’s newest franchise location in Columbia, MO.
Nancy Yaeger, an accomplished running and triathlon coach and previous general manager of the Ultramax Sports location in Columbia, will own the store, set to open July 13 at 505 East Nifong Blvd. Celebratory events will take place July 13-16, including all-day raffles, a gift with purchase opportunity on July 13, and a July 15 fun run at 7:30 a.m.
“Nancy’s passion for running, retail, and community is infectious,” said Robyn Goby, vice president of development for Fleet Feet Sports. “She’s a high-caliber, goal-oriented leader who believes in the power of running to change lives, build friendships, and improve entire communities. That’s exactly what makes a great owner, and that’s exactly why we’re so excited to have her become a part of the Fleet Feet Sports brand.”
Yaeger served as the general manager of Ultramax Sports from July 2015 to March 2017. A USAT Level 1 certified coach, Yaeger serves as the current cross country coach at Stephens College, and belongs to both the Columbia Track Club and the Columbia Multi-Sport Club. She and her husband Karlin have two children, Sidney and Powell.
“Our entire staff is committed to inspiring, helping, and welcoming everyone who walks through our doors,” said Yaeger. “I’m excited to bring the support and resources of the Fleet Feet Sports brand to the Columbia running and fitness community, and I just know together we’re going to have a lot of fun, work hard, and help more people live healthier and active lifestyles.”
The store offers training programs for 5K and greater distances as part of Fleet Feet Sports’ national No Boundaries program, with the 5K and 10K program already in progress and the half and full marathon training programs set to kick off July 15. In the fall, Yaeger will launch Fleet Feet Sports’ new 3D scanning technology, fit id, to customers.
Yaeger plans a larger grand opening celebration July 21-23, and will include a Friday evening run with Hoka One One and Garmin, followed on Saturday by demo runs with Brooks, Saucony, and Hoka One One rotating throughout the day. The store will also offer yoga stretching and strength and conditioning classes throughout Saturday, and will serve bagels and coffee Saturday morning.
For more information on upcoming events and training programs, visit fleetfeetcolumbiamo.com.
With the addition of the Columbia location, Fleet Feet Sports now has a total of seven locations in Missouri: five in the St. Louis area and one in the town of Springfield. The brand overall has 167 locations in 38 states and the District of Columbia.
Photo courtesy Fleet Feet Sports
