The Running Specialty Group (RSG) has added Utah-based Striders running company, consisting of two locations, to its national network of elite shops.

“This is a great market within the specialty running segment, and we are excited to expand our footprint further west with Striders,” Running Specialty Group President Bill Kirkendall said in a Jan. 20 statement announcing the acquisition.

Striders was founded in February 2004 by John Wojciechowski and his wife, Kristin, due in part to their love of running – and athletics in general – as well as the desire to bring quality performance running product to their home turf. The company operates from stores in Layton and Ogden, UT.

The duo will now join the RSG family in senior advisory roles and will focus on developing community initiatives to enhance the customer experience.

“John and Kristin have devoted their lives to health and fitness, and we look forward to bringing them aboard with this wealth of knowledge,” added Kirkendall. “We are continually looking for new, meaningful ways to connect with runners nationwide, while encouraging and inspiring them to achieve their personal bests along the way. The Striders team provides a unique dynamic that will only further fuel that mission.”

“Kristin and I are thrilled to be a part of the RSG family and serve as ambassadors to our fellow runners in a greater capacity,” said John Wojciechowski, Striders co-founder and owner. “With new resources available to our team, this will enable us to provide better service to our Layton and Ogden customers.”

The Striders brand is known for first-class service with local ties as community ambassadors including several sponsorships of homegrown running events as well as training sessions.

About Running Specialty Group

The Running Specialty Group (RSG) is owned by The Finish Line, Inc. It now owns 70 specialty running stores in 16 states and the District of Columbia under The Running Company, Run On!, Blue Mile, Boulder Running Company, Roncker’s Running Spot, Running Fit, VA Runner, Capital RunWalk, Richmond RoadRunner, Garry Gribble’s Running Sports, Run Colorado, Raleigh Running Outfitters and Striders banners.