Fleet Feet, Inc. announced the purchase of Gary Smith’s Easy Runner in Little Rock, Arkansas.  The location is the 99th store for the company.

Gary Smith has been serving the Little Rock running community since 1976 when he opened the first running store in the state of Arkansas.  He opened Easy Runner in 1996 and has established a reputation for superior service, knowledge and dedication.  He also founded the Firecracker Fast 5k which has become a Little Rock 4th of July tradition.

“It is a privilege to continue the amazing legacy of Gary Smith,” said Jeff Phillips, CEO of Fleet Feet, Incorporated.  “Gary has been a fixture in the Little Rock running community for decades and we will do our best to honor him by continuing to provide a health and wellness resource to the community and an amazing experience for the customer.”

Noelle and Sean Coughlan, long time Fleet Feet Sports employees, will become the operating partners of the store.  Owning a store has been a lifelong dream of the couple who bring more than ten years of experience in the specialty industry.

“Easy Runner has been a great part of my life and I know that I will miss it,” said Smith.  “I feel comfortable to now put it into the hands of Fleet Feet.  Fleet Feet is a strong company that shares my interest in careful fitting and attention to the customer.  The level of service and expertise they provide to their customers around the country is exactly what we have strived to provide to the Little Rock community.”