Vancouver’s Running Store Since 1986

Empowering running enthusiasts of all levels with our expertise, we offer the best training support to meet your fitness goals. Industry leading footwear meets organized training and coaching.

What Our Customers Say

Great experience here! Listened exactly to what I wanted and how my feet felt. I have felt pressured at other locations so I’m super happy with how heard I felt.

— Tessa Angelis

Great staff. Friendly and knowledgeable.

— Christopher Brandt

I found the running shoes that I need.

— Jim Kwan

So glad I stopped in here today for some new running shoes! Brandon helped me find exactly what I needed and I truly appreciate his knowledge and expertise in finding the right pair! Thank you so much – highly recommend coming here first if you’re looking for some new shoes! 😊 I’ll be back soon!

— Dr. Josef Swetz D.C.

Five-Star Customer Service. I’ve been a customer for over 20 years. I recently bought a pair of shoes and noticed a minor issue with them after wearing them once. I called in and they went above and beyond over a very small detail to ensure I was happy. This level of Customer Service is unmatched in Vancouver. Thank you Forerunners.

— Matt Judd

The staff here is incredibly wonderful and helpful. I had some issues with one pair of shoes that I bought and they were happy to help fix or replace the shoes. I would recommend to anyone looking for some advice on your next running shoe.

— Carly Casano

I started buying my trainers at Forerunners in 1986 and have bought every pair there since. I’ve known Peter and Karen for almost that long. They and their staff are like visiting my family. We are lucky t be able to enjoy personal service and attention to detail we experience there.

— Barry Auger

My first experience buying running shoes at the store was amazing. the staff are very knowledgeable and helpful!

— Isabel Wood

Felt the midlife urge to do the marathon and went for a few runs and right away got pain in old shoes. Went to Forerunners and the helpful staff there, Ann-Marie, hooked me up with the perfect shoes and especially getting the right fit. First long run they feel great. They look so good you want to get out for a ride.

— Stephen Chan

Friendliest staff I’ve encountered. They helped me find exactly what I needed, asking the right questions and creating a relationship. I will definitely come back to get all my active goodies!
Highly recommend

— Mahish Rajdev

I came in with no expectations and to browse trail shoes and came out with the perfect pair for my wide feet with low arches! The gentleman who helped me was extremely friendly, patient and so knowledgeable. He knew what shoes would be suitable for my feet and goals and showed me a variety without pressuring me in any way. I am truly amazed at the services.

— Katie Yk

A good selection of running shoes with friendly knowledgeable staff. They even brought in a color for me that they did not have in stock. Two thumbs up 👍🏼👍🏼

— Robbert Doornberg

I first went to the Main Street store about 6 years ago and the service and product were amazing. This evening I showed up at closing on a Saturday looking for a new pair of On runners, and they invited me in with a smile, even though the door was locked. Another amazing experience – great selection, good prices, ultra friendly service. I will never go anywhere else – they’ve earned my loyalty. Thanks to the team there.

— Colin Edwards

Still thinking about the service I had here 3 days later. I’ve never had anything but excellent service at Forerunners. I have knee problems and small feet and the staff at every location I’ve been to, without fail, listen closely to my shoe needs and find me at least a couple of great options. Highly recommend!

— Catherine S

These guys are the real deal, they know what they are talking about and actually care about finding you the right fit. One of the salesmen spent an hour with me trying on every single shoe in the store until we found one that fit properly… his patience and expertise was so appreciated. Would definitely recommend this store

— Jessica De-Palma

Great advice and patience in guiding you to the appropriate shoe for you!

— Leonardo Camejo

Nice store, had a variety of brands and easy to find the store in Main Street.

— Gabriela Kirsch

Looks like an interesting place. They train you on certin days , train for the marathon the owner ran in many marathon s. The staff are helpful and patient well I had lots of questions 1 I can’t run 2 I’m in a wheelchair and 3 they would help me anyway so I enjoyed that

— Clayton Johnny

Empowering Runners Through Education, Great Gear & Support

New & Featured

ASICS METASPEED™ PARIS Series

Join Our Running Community and Reach Your Goals.

Our running clinics and personalized fitting services will help you improve your technique and performance.

Let’s Get Fit!

Book an appointment with one of our running specialists to get fit for the right footwear for your unique training plan.

Products

Check out the latest and greatest products from our valued supplier partners.

Upcoming Clinics & Events

Forerunners hosts community events at each store location in both Vancouver and North Vancouver.

North Shore First Half Clinic with NO RACE ENTRY

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North Shore First Half Clinic with Race Entry

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4th Avenue First Half Clinic with NO RACE ENTRY

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4th Avenue First Half Clinic with Race Entry

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Smiles for Life Pancake Run

Join us at Forerunners Main Street Sunday June 2nd at 9 am for our Smiles for Life Pancake Run. All proceeds benefiting Smiles for Life. All are welcome for this community run.  $5 for adults, kids run free. Please not dogs or pets for this event. Draw prizes generously donated by Brooks.

Vancouver’s Favourite Running Store Since 1986.

Forerunners, a Vancouver running store, is dedicated to supporting runners of all levels. We offer top-quality products, expert advice, and a community-focused approach. Whether you’re a beginner or seasoned runner, our mission is to help you achieve your goals and find joy in every step.

2018
Wins IRRC Canadian Store of the Year and in 2012 & 2013
38 YRS
Serving the Vancouver run community
15 YRS
Serving the North Shore run community
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Ready to put one foot in front of the other?

Join our running community to improve your technique, meet like-minded friends and reach your goals.

Meet the Team

Get to know the talented athletes, coaches, staff and ambassadors that keep our community and stores running.

Peter Butler

Peter Butler Co-Owner & Co-Founder (1986)

A member of the 1980 Olympic Team, Peter has an extensive resume when it comes to running. He was a Canadian national champion in the outdoor 5,000 metres and 10,000 metres, and still holds the 5th fastest marathon time by a Canadian.
Karen Butler

Karen Butler Co-Owner & Co-Founder (1986)

Karen is an accomplished runner and a born-and-raised Vancouverite (which means she obviously doesn’t think twice about running in the rain). She used to run for Simon Fraser University, and holds a 3 hour marathon time.

Todd Jangula Co-Owner (1997)

Todd has been a member of the Forerunners Team since 1997 and currently co-owner of Forerunners Main Street.
Carey Nelson

Carey Nelson Co-Owner – Forerunners Main Street & Clinic Director (2007)

Current head coach of Forerunners Main Street running clinics. Enjoys helping runners of all levels reach their goal whether first marathon or achieving a personal best. Coach of more than 1000 runners for half and full marathons through Forerunners running clinics.
Ken Greenaway

Ken Greenaway Owner – Forerunners North Shore

Ken was a long time clinic leader at Forerunners West 4th Avenue. An avid trail runner and ultra-marathoner, Ken developed a passion for running and all things related. His background was primarily in IT and technology – that is until he realized running was his true love.

Jerry Ziak

Jerry Ziak has been a competitive middle and long-distance runner since 1986. His passion for the sport began at the young age of 10 when he began competing on the track and over cross country in distances ranging from 800 meters to 5 km.

Mary Linton Store Manger, North Vancouver

Mary has been a part of the Forerunners family for 9 years now. She currently is the manager of Forerunners North Shore.

Art Boileau Fitting Expert

Arthur is a pillar of the Vancouver running community. His enthusiasm is infectious. His smile is memorable. A two time Olympian, Art represented his country in Los Angeles in 1984 and again in Seoul in 1988. He is a wealth of knowledge and experience.

Brands We Carry