welcome to running excels

Gift happy feet

Our new Gift Cards are the perfect way to support a small, local business instead of a big-box athletic store.

Our Brands

We offer a wide selection of athletic wear from these leading brands:

Shop Lululemon at Running Excels

We are proud to offer Lululemon technical apparel and accessories at Running Excels! As a Lululemon Strategic Sales Partner, we are part of a highly selective group of passionate fitness entrepreneurs who sell Lululemon gear. Stop in the store to browse our latest selection of high quality Lululemon clothing for women and men, too!

We're your neighborhood running store

Shop small, shop local, shop Southside

Running Excels is a woman-owned running store that specializes in high-performance athletic shoes, apparel and accessories. We’ve proudly served the South side of Chicago and the South suburbs since 2010 and are deeply grateful for your support!

group runs

Lace up & run with us!

We’re more than just a running store. We’re a community! Running Excels has Saturday group runs that start at the store and Wednesday workouts at Brother Rice’s running track. It’s always more fun to run with friends, so join us!

free custom fitting

Take the first step to better health

If you’re new to fitness, or trying to get back in shape, you’re in good hands at Running Excels. We are experienced runners who can answer your questions and help you start your journey. The first step is getting fitted with comfortable, supportive shoes that are tailored to your unique gait.

our community

Customer Testimonials

Personal service and expert advice are what set us apart from the big box stores and websites. Our customers say it best.

Hands down the best running store I have been to . . . Always helpful and kind, Bev has helped me figure out some solutions to feet issues and answers all my questions whenever I am in the store.

Locally owned! That's usually enough for me, but combined with competitive pricing and a staff who knows what they are talking about, and there's no reason to go anywhere else on the SW Side. I'll be back.

I just had one of the most enjoyable shopping experiences I really have ever had . . . [T]he owner takes the time to get to know you, to learn your habits, and to make helpful suggestions.