News Release: 26th April 2016
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Run 4 It Named the UK's Best Independent Retailer & Best for Customer Service

Run 4 It, the Aberdeen based specialist running retailer, has been named the UK's Best Independent Running Retailer and Best for Customer Service for the second year in a row at the annual Running Awards held in the O2 in London.

The Running Awards is the only awards programme where runners and consumers nominate and vote for their favourite products, brands, publications, sports retailers and events. Entry and success is solely down to public vote.

Headquartered in Aberdeen, Run 4 It was established in 2004 by running enthusiasts and entrepreneurs Duncan Riddoch and Ian White and now boasts 8 stores across Scotland plus an active online store.

Duncan Riddoch, director of Run 4 It, commented on the win:

"Ian and I are both ecstatic that our customers think so highly of us and that we've won these hotly contested categories for two years running. We have our fantastic customers and suppliers to thank for their nominations and for taking their time to vote for us, as well as the team members across our business who work hard every day to ensure we are the best at what we do. They are always pushing the boundaries to deliver excellence and these awards are, without a doubt, theirs to celebrate.

"Retail has been a challenging environment in recent years but Run 4 It has always kept the customer at the heart of the service we deliver and, while many retailers have chosen to compete on other factors, we believe that offering a great product and an exemplary standard of service and advice to help our customers get the most from their running is key. The vision for our business is that ‘through exceptional product and customer service people will run with us for life.' These awards are confirmation that we are achieving our vision and that our hard work is recognised and valued by those who matter most: our loyal customers."

Specialising in serving the needs of a growing and active running community in both Scotland and across the UK, Run 4 It has bucked the retail trends of recent years, continuing to innovate and placing exceptional customer service at their core. In the last six months Run 4 It has opened two new stores incorporating a new retail ad shop format. Giffnock in the Southside of Glasgow and Maybury in Edinburgh are suburban locations with parking, ensuring the spread of support for the running community in these 2 key cities extends beyond the city centres. There are also further expansion plans in the pipeline.

Around 700 guests attended the awards at the O2 in London, celebrating alongside some of the biggest brands in running including Nike, Adidas & Parkrun, with partner brands including Garmin, Brooks, Shock Absorber and Ronhill picking up awards. There was also an award for the Run4It supported Loch Ness Marathon in the Best Marathon Category.

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For further information on this news release, please contact Tricia Fox, Volpa, Tel: 07989 955039 or 01738 658187, Email:t.fox@volpa.co.uk

NOTES TO EDITORS:

Pamela Bridge:"Fantastic motivational run from the Bridge of Allan shop this morning. Thank you_"

Danielle Willox: "5 star service from@run4itonlineDundee yesterday, great first run in my new@brooksrunningtrainers!"

Tom Hogarth: "@run4itonlinehad the best experience today with Hamish at the new Maybury store, He has secured you two customers for life! Thank you!"

Fiona Wood: "Thank you so much for all your help this morning, answered all our questions and took loads of time with us. We'll be recommending you to EVERYONE (whether they run or not!)"

Rachel Cox:"Recently visited your Aberdeen Store. I was served by Stuart. I have not been to that particular store before and I really enjoyed the experience! He was pleasant, knowledgeable and loved the random Run4It facts!"

Lauren:"Thank you@run4itonlineEdinburgh for your help this am! Brilliant service for dodgy joints"

_{Lorraine Scott:"}A huge thank you to the guys at the Bridge of Allan store. First time in the store yesterday for a new pair of trainers. Great service, knowledge and advice will definitely be back!"

Debbie Vaughan:"Had the pleasure of the running gait analysis in Run4it Bothwell Street Glasgow at the weekend - massive thank you to Alex for your help and advice - first run with my new Mizuno's today and NO ankle pain!"