Black Dog Running Company opened in 2012 and actively promotes a healthy lifestyle along the Grand Strand and surrounding communities. A trusted resource for all walking, running and general fitness needs, they work to inspire and celebrate accomplishments.

Fleet Feet Sports opened their doors in early 2017. The welcoming environment invites in runners, walkers and fitness enthusiasts of all abilities. They are committed to enhancing and growing the local running and walking communities, as well as offering training opportunities and educational resources to assist in reaching fitness goals.

One way to get to these goals is through a supportive and fun community having your back. To help cultivate this, both stores host running groups for all skill levels.

Black Dog hosts weekly group social runs every Thursday at 6:30 p.m. The runs are free to attend and everyone is welcome. Walkers and runners of all paces will head out and back from the shop at The Market Common and choose a one- to three-mile course (for walkers) or a three- to five-mile course (for runners). The runs began in April 2012 with just a few people attending on a regular basis and have since expanded to an average attendance of 25 to 40 weekly. The numbers approach 70 to 100 for special events.

“It’s a great community of welcoming people always happy to see new faces and meet new people,” says Daniel Brass, owner of Black Dog.

Once to twice a month the group runs will be tied to a holiday or theme ending with refreshment and food, such as St. Patrick’s Day, Cinco de Mayo, luaus, Small Business Saturday, scavenger hunts and more.

Fleet Feet hosts a group run from the store every Saturday, meets at the Horry County Bike and Run Park for trail running on Mondays and has weekly Wednesday group night runs at 6:30 p.m.

Twice a month these Wednesday night runs are pub runs. Participants can log their three-mile run or one-mile walk and then pull up a barstool to enjoy beer and food with their running family. The nights also feature a raffle for a fun door prize. Past events have been held at Liberty Tap Room, House of Blues, The Warehouse in Conway, American Tap House and Gordon Biersch. Many of the pub runs are themed, including an Ugly Sweater Pub Run for the holidays and a Summer Celebration Pub Run to kick off the season. The shop has also hosted running events for Father’s Day, Easter and St. Patrick’s Day.

Whether you are a seasoned runner or just looking to log a mile walk, these groups are a great way to meet new people, shave some seconds off your time or take that first step back into health. Both stores also have a variety of events like shoe demos, training programs for area runs and more. Visit blackdogrunning.com or fleetfeetmyrtlebeach.com to get more info and check out a full list of events and themes. 

Black Dog Running Company

1600 Farrow Parkway, Unit B-3

Myrtle Beach, (843) 839-1174

Fleet Feet Sports

7931 N. Kings Highway, Suite 120

Myrtle Beach, (843) 839-3338