Running Room sign

Running Room originated in Edmonton in 1984 and is now North America's largest chain of specialty running stores.

For Runners by Runners

Running Room originated in 1984 out of founder John Stanton’s wish to purchase quality running shoes from someone knowledgeable about the sport. Unable to find this, he decided to fill a niche in the marketplace by opening a small one-room store in the renovated living room of an old house in Edmonton (10150 – 112 Street, in photo at right), hence the name, “Running Room”.

The neon sign displayed in the Museum was initially installed in 1997 by Airlite Signs at the opening of Running Room at the Kinsmen Sports Centre. The sign incorporated the original company logo and evolved it into its now-familiar look. The Kinsmen store received major renovations in 2010, at which time the sign was removed and put into storage.

Managing partners John Stanton Jr. and Jason Stanton lead the operations of this Edmonton-based, family-owned company, which is now North America’s largest chain of specialty running stores, with over 100 locations across Canada and the United States. Running Room remains committed to building a true sense of community in each store location by supporting local charities through running and walking events, all the while continuing to provide runners a retail store “for Runners by Runners”.


This sign was donated by: The Stanton Family

This sign was generously restored by: Sign Force