By Zack Peterson
It all started with a bike ride.
Two years ago, Tracey Tripp and Kathy Vaughn were riding one Sunday morning and first starting talking about something new to the both of them: opening a business together.
The wishful thinking resulted in Suncoast Running, which opened last fall under the ownership of Tripp and Vaughn and their husbands, Paul Tripp and Scott Vaughn.
“I’ve always loved running,” Tracey Tripp said.
As a dedicated runner for the past four years, Tripp and her partners wanted to give the community a running store that would provide local runners with any necessities they might need — and more.
According to Tripp, one of the main goals of Suncoast Running is outreach.
“Outreach is one of our big things here,” Tripp explained. “And one way to reach out to the community is through training programs.”
Training programs are used to help “people interested in running.”
“Through our training programs we get these people into the sport,” Tripp said.
The training programs provide runners with the tools necessary to train for a race. Though the programs themselves may vary from race to race, runners who sign up for them receive a free gait analysis, proper shoe fitting, a pair of running shoes, socks, a water bottle, a program shirt, a Suncoast Running car magnet, the training program itself and training group runs.
“It’s encouraging in a group setting,” Tripp said. “It’s the accountability, knowing that people are looking for you each week.”
So far, Suncoast Running has hosted two 5K training programs and a single one-mile training program for kids.
According to Tripp, 18 people signed up for the most recent 5K training program.
“I think people are more interested in group training,” Tripp said.
In the fall, Suncoast Running will be offering two new training programs, the first being a half marathon geared towards having its runners ready for the Women’s Half Marathon on Nov. 20, and the second being a 10K with the goal race for the program being the Clearwater Turkey Trot on Nov. 24.
But presently, to keep the community of runners engaged over the summer, Suncoast Running is also offering free group runs on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays.
On Tuesday, runners are encouraged to meet at World of Beer on Linebaugh Avenue at 6:30 p.m. for the Run for Brews, a six-mile run throughout the neighborhoods of Westchase. Wednesday is the Up and Running six-mile route for early birds at 6 a.m. Runners are to meet at the store and water is provided afterwards. Lastly, Thursday is the Thirsty Thursday Run at 7 p.m. where runners depart from the store and run distances up to six miles.
For anyone interested, Suncoast Running can be reached at (813) 428-5946.
Info Box
Suncoast Running
- 18855 SR 54, Lutz
- Monday through Friday: 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.
- Saturday: 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.
- Sunday: Noon to 5 p.m.
