About ARM

A Runner’s Mind, the Bay Area’s local run specialty store, was founded in Burlingame in 2010 on our love of running and walking, a commitment to our community, and our passion for superior service. Above all, we understand that all who run, walk, participate in athletics, or maintain an exercise regimen deserve a place where they can come together; to celebrate being active and receive and share expertise about anything from running gear to cross-training to nutrition. In 2013 we began serving San Francisco at our Laurel Heights location, where we’ve continued to offer the same great service to a whole new community of runners and walkers.

Seven Times

A Runner’s Mind, Best Running Stores: 2015, 2018, 2019, 2020, 2021, 2022, 2023…

Seven times in thirteen years of operation is the amount of times we’ve been named one of the Best Running Stores in the country. If you’re wondering whether we’re proud of that accolade, we sure are! Find out more about Best Running Stores.

In 2021, we joined forces with Trials of Miles to bring a new version of racing to our local community. Chase the Throne is a four week head-to-head elimination racing tournament. Quite simply…each runner is randomly placed into a March Madness style bracket in their city and each week runners have to post a time faster than their opponent on a specific segment in order to advance. The segments change weekly, and in the last round the final competitors all race for their shot at the throne. Congratulations to our 2024 winners, Hannah Butler and Zach Litoff!

2023
Julia Vasquez and James Konugres

2022
Teresa McWalters and Taylor Gilland

2021
YiOu Wang and Paddy O’Leary

What’s Next?

We’re helping launch the Low Impact Alliance. We promote transparency and ecological responsibility within the running industry by educating, advocating, and inspiring action. Join us!

“I never wanted to be an athlete as a little girl. In the 80s, my options for watching sports on TV only included men’s football, baseball & basketball. I never saw anyone that looked like me. I guess back then I never imagined having a career as a pro athlete was possible, but luckily I was surrounded by people who were imagining more for me. As I see my own children grow, I am struck by how much is possible simply by #imaginingmore
– Shannon Rowbury, 3x Olympian

In 2022, we began partnering with the Imagining More Foundation by helping bring their first running camp to life. Shannon believes in the necessity to promote education, athletics, and arts. It was born from the limitations that young people face when pursuing extracurricular activities during their academic years.


Running means community to us, and we’d love to see that community grow! Our shops’ group runs are open to everyone, and we’re always happy to provide information about races coming up all throughout the Bay Area. Run over and check us out – we’re excited to ARM up with you!

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