The Runner’s Soul Wins “50 Best” award

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Michelle Smith, Mariann Mapes, Jayne Aspan and Angie Phillips accept their award in Austin, Texas.

Updated: February 2, 2012 4:11PM

The Runner’s Soul was named one of the 50 Best Running Stores in America, last month at The Running Event in Austin, Texas by Competitor magazine and Formula 4 Media. The “50 Best” were recognized for their superior customer service and support of their local running communities.

More than 150 stores were nominated by consumers through Competitor magazine’s website. The voting then consisted of a year-long evaluation including “secret shopping,” customer feedback and vendor relations.

“We are thrilled and proud to be recognized by our customers as one of the nation’s top specialty running stores,” said Jayne Aspan, owner of The Runner’s Soul, with locations in Elmhurst and La Grange “We will continue to work hard to exceed customer expectations and be a vital member of the running community in the western suburbs.”

Aspan and her staff are proud of their shoe-fitting expertise, product knowledge and passion for the sport that far exceeds the big-box sporting goods chains.

The listing was in the December issue of Competitor, which has a readership of 1.5 million. Aspan and her staff also received a commemorative plaque and window decals so that they can share the honor with their customers.