OUR STORY
WHY BPRC?
Back in 2004, even with the obvious affinity for running and walking in Atlanta — there was a noticeable shortage of retailers catering to this population and lifestyle. Our residents and visitors (and proprietors) were oftentimes left with inconvenient, unattractive, and unqualified shopping options, including impersonal big-box sporting goods stores, websites, or mall-based locations mostly concerned with the latest teenage trends. The common result was purchase and usage dissatisfaction (or worse, including discomfort or injury). How BPRC Can Make a Difference in Your Life?
Running and walking shoes (and most performance apparel) are, by design, technical pieces of equipment intended to deliver benefits tailored to the end-user. These benefits, however, are only realized if the wearer is truly appropriate for the product. And at BPRC, it bothers us — in fact, it stresses us out — to know how many Atlantans are running or walking in shoes and apparel not ideally suited for them! And, let’s face it, proper footwear selection can be a confusing and somewhat intimidating process. Just looking at a footwear wall with 100+ shoes can be enough to make your head spin! But, take heart. At BPRC we have a very thorough, easy to understand process designed to de-mystify proper footwear selection and ensure that you get the best shoe for you in order to get the most out of your running or walking experience. As you can see, it’s really all about you! Which is why we have a complete Fit Process to get you into the right shoe for you. Most importantly, our stores are a welcoming and friendly space for everyone, whether you consider yourself a runner or not. Don’t take our word for it, read about the experiences Guests have submitted after their visit!
Our History
2004
Atlanta Running Guide author, Mike Cosentino, launches Big Peach Running Co. in Brookhaven, GA, convinced the incredible, wonderful fervor for a “pedestrian-active lifestyle” in the Atlanta area is hugely underserved.
2006
Mike’s friend, training partner and colleague from his days at The Coca-Cola Co., Steve DeMoss, comes aboard and opens the 2nd store in the East Cobb community of Marietta. Steve’s background as a collegiate swimmer and accomplished triathlete furthers the practice of welcoming everyone to Big Peach, regardless of background or intentions.
2007
Mike and Steve sit on the Board of Advisors and help bring the ING Georgia Marathon & Half Marathon to Atlanta, as one of the most ambitious and successful inaugural marathons ever. As a sell-out of 15,000 persons in this first year, the race is now known as Publix Atlanta Marathon & Half Marathon and is operated by Atlanta Track Club.
2008
In a commitment to the continued growth of fitness in the Atlanta area, Mike and Steve open Big Peach Running Co. locations in Decatur, GA and Kennesaw, GA within ninety (90) days of each other. The Kennesaw store goes on to become the highest volume store in the Big Peach system.
2009
To further its ownership of local races, Big Peach acquires the longstanding Buckhead Sizzler 10k. With a successful transition and rebranding to “Big Peach Sizzler,” the race is eventually donated to Miles For Cystic Fibrosis in 2012.
After witnessing the success and demand associated with tees branded with “RUNATL” and the signature phrase, “Heat, Hills and Humidity – Welcome To Atlanta,” Big Peach trademarks these 6-letters when placed together. This effort goes on to illustrate that anyone who participates in a “pedestrian-active lifestyle” in any manner is the embodiment of RUNATL!
2010
After witnessing significant population growth along the GA 400 corridor, Big Peach opens its Alpharetta, GA location just off the highway on Windward Parkway.
2011
As an acknowledgment of enthusiasm for thoughtful development that highlights recreation, outdoor activities and green space, Big Peach reaches an agreement to be one of the original retailers at Suwanee Town Center in Suwanee, GA.
2012
As a proud Atlanta business and brand, it no longer becomes acceptable to not have a store location in The City of Atlanta. In what seems like an overreach at times, a dilapidated storefront in a mostly shuttered part of Midtown opens in December as the flagship location for Big Peach.
2013
To provide more room for Guests and featured merchandise, the original Big Peach Running Co. location migrates from Cherokee Plaza to Town Brookhaven.
2018
As brick-and-mortar retail faces headwinds in many industries, Big Peach On-Wheels rolls out as the first of its kind to serve Guests in the exact spaces and places they have selected to live, work and play.
With the opportunity to be an inaugural tenant, the 10-year anniversary of the Decatur store includes a celebrated relocation to North Decatur Station.
2019
As a previous sponsor and long-time supporter of Atlanta Track Club, Big Peach joins almost 70,000 participants to commemorate the 50th Anniversary of the AJC Peachtree Road Race on July Fourth.
2020
In spectacular fashion – – and before the grips of the COVID-19 pandemic – – Atlanta plays host to the U.S. Olympic Marathon Trials. The formerly dilapidated storefront that has become Big Peach Running Co. – Midtown is now the perfect viewing location (and BPRC hosts a V.I.Peach celebration with Saucony)!
2021
With an appropriate amount of space AND a growing sense of how versatile an athlete Big Peach has the good fortune of serving, a partnership with Bikes Plus in Memphis, TN and Giant Bicycles USA (Newbury Park, CA) helps convert the store in Town Brookhaven to the first-ever Big Peach Ride + Run.
The first-ever Franchise Agreement is signed with Powell Fulton and Jay Stephenson (the proprietors of GoGo Running). In September, they open the first franchise location for Big Peach Running Co. in Cartersville, GA.
2022
The owners of North GA Running Co. in Cumming, GA, Alex and Stephanie Rodriguez, elect to convert their existing store to Big Peach Running Co. to become the 2nd franchise location.
As the Midtown location celebrates its 10th year, a new lease (in the same space) is signed and plans are made to convert the store to the 2nd Big Peach Ride + Run location.
