About Us
As The Derby Runner is a specialist running store, we cater for all levels of running, ranging from jogging for fitness to serious marathon running and from track and field athletics to fell running.
History
Established in 1988 by local athlete Pete Calladine and his wife Christine,The Derby Runner is one of the original running-specialist retailers in the UK. Gareth Long and Rob Jefferies took over the business 9 years later, although Pete and Christine remaining closely associated.
The Idea of The Derby Runner has always been simple: to provide customers with good personal service and advice on every aspect of running.
We provide a shopping experience long since lost from the high-street ‘sports’ stores. With knowledgeable, experienced and friendly staff, we are able to offer detailed information on all our products.
Meet the Staff
Gareth – Gareth bought The Derby Runner from Pete & Christine Calledine in 1997. Originally living just round the corner and running for a local club, he was the shop’s most regular customer. His running achievements include completing the London Marathon as well as many local half-marathons.
Admitting to being a bit of a ‘trainer-spotter’, Gareth is renowned for his ability to recall many of the features of previous models, and how those features now relate to the current shoes on the market. If you are ever in doubt about what shoe you purchased from us last year, there’s a fair chance Gareth can remember!
Rob – Rob has worked at the shop since 2000 and became a partner in 2006. A long-time member of Derby Athletics Club, Rob has run from a very young age. A national standard middle distance and x-country runner with personal bests of 1min51s/800m, 3mins47s/1500m, Rob has also covered some of the longer distances, running 70mins for his debut half marathon. Now into his 30s, Rob is discovering how to juggle training and family life, like some of the other Derby Runner staff!
He has a degree in exercise physiology & biomechanics and an interest in recent research related to running and fitness. He is best known for his advice and technical knowledge of ‘all things running’.
Dave – Dave has worked at The Derby Runner since 2001. He has completed more than 45 marathons and now on the more experienced side of 55yrs old, has no plans of stopping yet. Dave only started running in his mid 30’s to get fit and stop smoking. He has since gone on to run a best marathon time of 2hrs48mins at the age of 47, as well as win medals at county level over 5000m.
Dave has completed marathons and other races around the UK and abroad. Including 3 marathons in 3 days, various 3-peaks challenges, and much more. You may have even seen Dave on TV, as he was a contestant on BBC 2’s “SAS; Are You Tough Enough” a few years ago! Dave also runs his business Team Tours Travel, based at the shop.
Carolyn – Carolyn joined The Derby Runner in 2005. Having started to run in her mid 30s as a new challenge, she fell in love with the sport and the sense of personal achievement that came with it. She has completed 3 London marathons and various others such as Windermere and Mablethorpe. Carolyn enjoys all types of running, but especially ultra-distance events (such as the 45mile four-inns challenge) and fell running.
Freely admitting to being a non-elite runner, Carolyn particularly understands the demands of fitting in her running with work and every-day family life. She is best known for her bubbly personality and keen interest in all types of running.
Carolyn is also a fully trained sports-bra adviser, so please feel free to request a discreet conversation if you need some advice from her.
Jordan – Jordan has been part of the team since 2004. He is a talented middle distance track athlete, who competes for Derby Athletic Club. Jordan has always taken a particular interest in the history of the major running shoe brands and the changes in shoe design over the years. Well known for his dry sense of humour.
Leonie – Has worked for us since 2008 and is currently working part time while studying for a degree in physiotherapy. A keen 800m runner, Leonie has won county medals on the track and cross country. She is always ready to give running advice to young and old runners alike.
How to find us
Opening Times
Monday 10 - 8pm
Tuesday 10 - 5.30pm
Wednesday - 10 - 5.30pm
Thursday 10 - 5.30pm
Friday 10 - 8pm
Saturday 9 - 5.30pm
Latest Events
Fri 24th Feb
In-store Podiatry Clinic with Karl Travis.
Fri 2nd March
In-store Podiatry Clinic with Karl Travis.
Sun 4th March
Derby Runner stall at Derby Runner National XC League Final, Shobnall Lesire Centre.