Phidippides

MOST MAGAZINES DON’T like to do stories about Phidippides Running Centers because, well, the name is just too difficult to spell. But Running Insight certainly makes an exception when 2023 marks the 50th anniversary of one of the run specialty industry’s iconic individuals and earliest stores.

The history of Phidippides Running Centers parallels the history of the running boom of the 1970’s. In 1972 Jeff Galloway realized his life’s dream of participating in the Munich Olympics and also held the American 10-mile record. He spent his summers traveling and competing on the racing circuit while completing college degrees in history and social studies. After a year of teaching he missed running and came up with a plan to open a running store stocked with the best gear.

The idea seemed timely. Jeff scraped together enough money to open a small store in Tallahassee, calling it Phidippides after the Greek messenger that was credited with running the distance that is now known as the modern day marathon. One of the few running companies that would sell products to Galloway was a then-new unknown company called Nike. After a year-and-ahalf, he moved the store back to his native Atlanta.

By 1978 the running boom was in full stride and Galloway had established more than 35 Phidippides franchise stores nationwide. After this success he decided to focus on writing and teaching the benefits of running through his clinics, fitness vacations and his nationally recognized Galloway Training Programs.

Galloway continues to oversee the two Atlanta stores, with a history of dedicated expert employees, some with over 30 years of experience — distinguishing his stores as among the most experienced run/walk specialty store staffs in the country.

In addition to his own special anniversary year, 2023 marks the 40th anniversary Kaiser Permanente Corporate Run, Walk & Roll Fitness Program, which, as the longest-running 5K in Atlanta, maintains its goals to get metro-Atlanta workers moving. The annual event allows participants to train under an Olympic runner and thrive with their co-workers at Atlanta’s largest office party. Participants can run, walk or roll utilizing a wheelchair.

Galloway believes a health journey does not have to be boring. “Amp up your fitness with coworkers, family and friends by your side,” he says. “This is the perfect way to foster teamwork, camaraderie and health while enjoying the great outdoors.”

This year, there’s a new app to help with training called the Jeff Galloway app. This free resource has a built-in run and walk timer, Galloway’s audio coaching telling participants when to walk and when to run and is customizable. There are even meal plans and drills. Anybody who registers for the event gets free training.