Business Hours:
Monday-Friday 10am-7pm
Saturday 10am-6:30pm
Sunday 1pm-4pm

About Us

Our History

Founded in 1978 by Don Zetnick, the legendary running guru of North Texas, and his wife, Sally, The Runner has well served the needs of a wide variety of running and aerobic enthusiasts in Arlington and the Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex. Zetnick’s story serves as a solid foundation not only for the business but also as an inspiration to virtually every type of runner or aspiring athlete that comes through the doors.

In 1967, Zetnick found himself in his mid-30s, out of shape, overweight and unable to walk his dog up a hill. He decided enough was enough and he made changes to improve his health. One very important change: He began running. What began as a healthy pastime soon became a passion. After running (and winning) almost 1400 races, triathlons and marathons, Zetnick turned his hobby into a business and began catering to the unique needs of runners. The Runner was born.

Now 30 years later, Don and Sally’s son Phil Zetnick, and his wife Jessica, run the store located at 3535 West Pioneer Parkway in Arlington. Like Don, Phil is a long time running enthusiast and grew up learning the business from his Dad since 1982.

The Store

Offering an extensive selection of footwear, workout apparel, accessories and more, The Runner offers personalized services that few stores offer these days. Based on a customer’s needs, the well-trained staff can make recommendations based on each individual customer’s running or workout style, frequency and special needs. In the style of its founder, Don Zetnick, The Runner and its staff take pride in providing personal service and winning “the race” for loyal customers’ business. Like Don always said, “It’s funner at The Runner.”