From casual walkers to seasoned marathoners, the staff at Gainesville Running and Walking is trained to know which shoes are meant for what types of people.
Almost five years ago, brothers Mike and Matt Carrillo shaped an idea and decided to run with it. Determined to share their enthusiasm for the world of running and walking with the community, they joined forces to open their very own hub of expertise and top-of-the-line gear and apparel.
Today, a little piece of that world is nestled in the consistently growing Tioga Town Center, in the form of an athletic oasis for avid runners, walkers and the like.
“My brother and I wrote a business plan while he was still in law school,” Mike said. “I always had a passion for running and had been working at prior shoe stores along with managing some in the Tampa area. When we got the chance to move back to our hometown in Gainesville, we decided it would be the perfect time to open up our own store.”
Soon after, they launched Gainesville Running and Walking, a full-service retail store specializing in running and walking footwear. As locals, Mike and Matt knew they wanted to locate in The Tioga Town Center to start their business venture. The haven for athletic-minded people and those who value the upmost customer service has proven to be a suitable place for customers to find their perfectly fitted “sole” mates.
“Being next to Gainesville Health and Fitness and in an active area definitely helps,” Mike said.
Gainesville Running and Walking has not only been contributing to more strides around the track but is also making major strides in the community, and they are proud to be the first to do it.
“When we opened, we were the only specialty running and walking store in Gainesville, and we still offer the best customer service hands down,” he said. “We sponsor many races in the community. My brother and I both serve on the Florida Track Club, which is a running club that does races and puts on local events for the runners in the community.”
Loyal customer Leslie Okun appreciates the impact the brothers have in Alachua County. “These guys have been extremely supportive of the Season of Hope Run, which is an annual run here in Gainesville in an effort to raise money for Tyler’s Hope for a Dystonia Cure and the UF Center for Movement Disorders and Neurorestoration, along with many other runs in the community,” Okun said.
A passion for running and a desire to see their customers injury free is the driving force behind Gainesville Running and Walking. Both of the brothers, along with their staff, are more than qualified to advise avid runners and walkers in their endeavors. Okun also values their dedication to customer service as well as their vast knowledge of athletic gear.
“They honor their evaluation enough as such that if the shoe doesn’t fit you can return it within a given time frame,” Okun said. “Very few shoe places have that type of accountability.”
Mike credits his interest in proper running attire to his years in the Army. After running thousands of miles, Mike experienced for the first time how much of an impact the right type of shoe can have. “I was always having injuries and started looking into why this was happening,” he said. “Over the years of working at several shoe stores and running stores, along with getting biomechanics lessons from top experts, and doing the same thing every day for seven days a week, you just build that experience.”
At Gainesville Running and Walking, customers not only receive great service but also the highest-quality running and walking shoes, apparel and accessories from companies like Asics, Brooks and Mizuno. No matter a trail runner or an elliptical walker, this store houses just about anything for a perfect stride. But for Mike, it’s more than just brand-name shoes and equipment. Owning the store feeds his fervor for running and vice versa.
“Running is my addiction,” he said, adding that he and Matt participate in a couple of large races each year. The last race they competed in was the New York marathon in 2011.
“You can do it at essentially any age, anywhere you live, and all it takes is a good pair of running shoes and just the motivation to go out there and do it,” he said. “It’s great for testing yourself and testing what your limits are. We’ve had customers who didn’t start running until their late 60s, and they really just love it now.”
Gainesville Running and Walking is proud to be locally owned and a part of the community. Both brothers can attest that you don’t have to be the strongest or fastest runner to enjoy the sport, but anyone can tell that these runners know their stuff and love to share their knowledge with others.
“Ten years ago, I could do two miles in 11.40,” Mike said. “It [operating a business] has definitely taken away from how much running I’d like to be doing, but it gives me motivation to get back to where I was.”