About

All four Potomac River Running owners are related by blood or marriage. Cathy and Margie are sisters who grew up in Fairfax County. Brendan (Margie’s high school sweetheart) is especially proud of his local roots. Though Ray (Cathy’s husband) is originally from New Jersey, we give him a pass because he has lived in the DC area for nearly 20 years and is known to cheer for the Redskins from time to time.

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Prior to opening the stores, the owners were each heavily involved in the local running community in one way or another. All four ran track and cross country through high school, while Cathy, Ray and Margie enjoyed successful running careers in college. Cathy and Ray met while running for the same professional post-collegiate racing team. Margie continues to race triathlons professionally. Never the fleetest of foot, Brendan still aims to solidify his place in the middle of the pack.

 

Directly out of college, Margie and Brendan spent many seasons coaching high school track and cross country in Fairfax County. It wasn’t long before Cathy and Ray, caught the coaching bug and joined forces with Margie to build a very successful (and still operational) adult coaching program. Determined to turn their hobbies into careers, the group of four jumped with two feet into the running store business.

 

At Potomac River Running, we are concerned with more than shoes and gear. We are committed to growing the running and walking community around us. Our belief in the benefits of an active and healthy lifestyle has inspired us to support countless races and running- and walking-related charities throughout the region. Our goal is to stand behind the community that has embraced us and helped us grow over the years.

 

One critical piece in our effort to spread enthusiasm for running and walking is a real commitment to outreach and education. We know how hard it is to take that first step after a long layoff or to start running for the first time as an adult. We know the challenge of forging a healthy new routine can seem overwhelming and that the world of group runs, running clubs, and races can seem foreign and intimidating at first. Our goal is to provide a welcoming, safe, and fun environment for runners and walkers of all experience levels and to break down the barriers that keep people from taking the all important first step. From our friendly staff (they are great people, we promise!) to our free information clinics, informal group runs/walks, and our Running 101 beginner programs, we want to encourage you to join us and have a great time.

 

We are proud to know an ever growing list of people who have taken incredible steps toward being fitter, healthier, and happier than ever. Do you have a story you think might inspire others? Contact us at and share it! We’d love to hear from you!