If you’re a runner in New York City, you’ve likely heard of Brooklyn Running Co. The store is nestled between Driggs and Grand in Williamsburg and floods with runners every Tuesday and Wednesday night for Brooklyn Track Club and Girls Run NYC practices. Brooklyn Running Co. is the second running store for Matt Rosetti and Matt Byrne, competitive runners who grew up together in Pennsylvania. The duo opened Scranton Running Co. in 2010, then spotted an opportunity in New York, where Rosetti has lived since the late ’90s. They wanted to create a hub to support local runners and help newer runners get advice from more experienced ones — and in November of 2013 (right around New York Marathon weekend), Brooklyn Running Co. opened its doors.
“We have a slightly different approach to running and running specialty,” says Steve Crnic, the store’s events and marketing manager, longest-tenured employee and a former NYU metric miler. “We have such a wide variety of products, and we emphasize a certain customer-first ideology.” The team listens to what runners in Brooklyn want — even if that means the shoe wall isn’t the most colorful one around. “The running joke is that everyone in Brooklyn wears black shoes,” Crnic says. “In the fall our shoe wall tends to look neutral and muted. We carry a lot of colors, but we cater to the neighborhood’s taste and preference. The number one driver of shoe sales is: ‘Does it come in black?’”
Beyond being the starting point and bag check for two local run clubs, Brooklyn Running Co. is also the emissary for athletes who run with RunBK. Any local athletes can have their gear fulfilled at the store. On Sundays, there’s occasionally a meetup for casual fun runs. And then there’s the biggest event of the year, the Brooklyn Mile. Four years ago, roughly 800 people ran, and this year the company hopes for more than 1,100. “We have the fast movers — the elite performers — as well as the open division, non-competitive friends and family wave,” Crnic says. “Running is relative, so [even] if you’re not first or second, you can always beat your personal best.” This year’s race (which you can sign up for it here) takes place June 16th.
Here’s all the gear Crnic reaches for on race day — including at this year’s Boston Marathon.
Nike Vaporfly 4%
Nike’s Vaporfly 4% are some of the fastest racing shoes available. Crnic snagged a pair for his Boston Marathon race day. “I love the color of these shoes, plus the performance aspects are well-documented, and they feel great. They’re lightweight, well-cushioned shoes with a snappy, springy feel that makes marathon running feel natural!”
