Business Details
38 Years
experience
Specialist Running Store in Derby Since 1988
Established in 1988, The Derby Runner has built a reputation as a trusted specialist running store, offering expert advice and high-quality products to runners of all levels. Our team, led by co-owners Rob Jefferies and Elaine Walker, combines decades of running experience with academic expertise in sports science to provide tailored guidance on footwear, apparel, and equipment. We pride ourselves on maintaining the personal service ethos of our founders, Pete and Christine Calladine, while adapting to modern shopping needs through competitive online pricing and convenient click-and-collect options. Our staff, including certified advisors and competitive athletes, undergo rigorous training to ensure they deliver accurate, research-backed recommendations. With a focus on community engagement, we support local running events and clubs, reinforcing our commitment to promoting lifelong fitness.Our store in Spondon, Derby, features an extensive range of products from leading brands like Asics, Brooks, and HOKA, catering to everyday training, trail running, and race-day requirements. We offer gait analysis services to help customers find optimal footwear, alongside technical support for injury prevention and performance enhancement. Our dedication to customer satisfaction is reflected in our flexible returns policy and ongoing after-sales assistance. As a family-run business, we prioritise transparency, ethical practices, and building long-term relationships with our clientele. This combination of expertise, product knowledge, and community focus has allowed us to serve generations of runners since our establishment.
Services
Running Shoes
Running Apparel
Gait Analysis
Sports Nutrition
Training Accessories
Details
- Year established: 1988
Highlights and features
- Established in 1988 with continuous family ownership and expertise
- Team includes certified sports science professionals and competitive athletes
- Comprehensive gait analysis service for personalised footwear recommendations
- Extensive product range from 20+ specialist running brands
- Flexible click-and-collect service with nationwide delivery options
What people say
Expert staff
Free gait analysis
Wide product range
Competitive prices
Quick delivery
Services
Running Shoes
We offer an extensive selection of running shoes from leading brands like Asics, Brooks, and HOKA. Our range caters to all running styles including neutral, supportive, trail, and racing shoes. Expert staff provide gait analysis to help you find the perfect fit for injury prevention and performance enhancement.
Gait Analysis
Our certified professionals use advanced techniques to analyse your running gait. This service helps identify your foot type and running style to recommend appropriate footwear. The assessment is free and typically takes 15-20 minutes with no appointment needed.
Running Apparel
We stock technical running clothing from brands including 2XU and OMM. Our range includes moisture-wicking tops, compression gear, and weatherproof jackets. Staff can advise on layering systems for different climates and distances.
Sports Nutrition
Our nutrition range features energy gels, bars, and hydration solutions from trusted brands like Tailwind and OTE. We provide guidance on fuelling strategies for different race distances and training intensities.
Training Accessories
We offer GPS watches, hydration vests, and resistance bands to enhance training. Our staff can recommend products based on your specific discipline, whether road running, trail running, or triathlon.
People
Rob Jefferies
Director
Rob has directed The Derby Runner since 2014, combining 20+ years of retail experience with his background as a national-standard middle-distance runner. He holds a degree in Exercise Physiology & Biomechanics and oversees product selection and technical advice.
Elaine Walker
Co-owner
Elaine has worked at The Derby Runner since 2016, bringing 15 years of competitive running experience from national championships. She focuses on customer relations and ensures the store maintains its runner-centric approach to service.
Matt
EPOS & Website Manager
A high-level middle-distance runner with a Master's in Sports Science, Matt manages our online operations and provides technical expertise on running shoes and apparel. He specialises in injury prevention advice.
Carolyn
Sports Bra Advisor
Carolyn has worked at The Derby Runner since 2005, combining her passion for ultra-running with specialist knowledge of sports bras. She provides discreet fitting consultations and running advice for busy lifestyles.
Chris
Senior Sales Associate
A marathon and ultra-marathon runner since 2000, Chris offers practical advice on trail running gear and endurance training. He has worked at The Derby Runner since 2014 and specialises in fell running equipment.
Questions
What running shoe brands do you stock?
We stock 20+ specialist running brands including Asics, Brooks, HOKA, New Balance, Saucony, Altra, and Inov-8, covering all running disciplines from trail to racing shoes.
Do you offer online delivery?
Yes, we offer UK-wide delivery with free shipping on orders over £100. Most orders placed before 3pm are dispatched the same working day via DPD.
Can I get running advice online?
Our website features detailed product descriptions and buying guides. For specific advice, you can contact our team via live chat or email during opening hours.
What is your returns policy?
We offer 365-day returns on unworn items. Running shoes can be returned within 28 days of purchase with proof of purchase for a full refund or exchange.
Do you have a physical store?
Yes, we have a 2,000 sq ft store at 7 Sandringham Drive, Spondon, Derby DE21 7QL. Our opening hours are 9am-6pm Saturday and 10am-7pm Monday & Friday.
How do I choose the right running shoes?
We recommend visiting our store for a free gait analysis. Alternatively, our website provides detailed guidance on selecting shoes based on running style, distance, and terrain.
Reviews (4)
Gavin Burrows
Jan 22, 2022
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Just want to say a big thanks to Carolyn. Who know I'd been running in the wrong size shoes for years!
Carolyn was so patient and helpful, and with a wealth of running experience and advice she is a credit to the store. What an aladins cave of wonderful running apparel. Will be back soon, when I'm passing through again.
Carolyn was so patient and helpful, and with a wealth of running experience and advice she is a credit to the store. What an aladins cave of wonderful running apparel. Will be back soon, when I'm passing through again.
Sandra Heath
Jan 15, 2022
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I needed some new shoes for tennis, so decided to try Derby Runner, result amazing staff tons of knowledge and patience by the bucket. will go back and can
definitely recommend them.
definitely recommend them.
Dean Ward
Oct 25, 2021
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Fantastic service as always, nothing is to much trouble.. I had 9 pairs of shoes out today before I found the ones I liked really friendly staff and have great knowledge of the products. Will definitely be back again
Helen Lock
Oct 19, 2021
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Excellent advice and wide choice of shoes and clothing. Just love the personal attention the moment you walk through the door. Nothing is too much trouble.
