Charles River Running Earns Neponset Valley Chamber of Commerce Award

Charles River Running, owned and operated by Westwood resident Charlotte Walsh earned the Small Business of the Year award from the Neponset Valley Chamber of Commerce at the Jan. 23 “Night of Champions 120th  Annual Meeting and Awards Dinner” held at the Four Points Sheraton in Norwood. 

Walsh, who opened her store just 18 months ago in Norwood Center, attributes much of the success of her new business to the strong support of the surrounding communities, the strength of her Chamber relationships and the collective “shop small” spirit by bolstered by her local running “family”.

“Our customers appreciate the service we provide. We spend time with each and every visitor, we provide solutions, and most importantly we listen to what our customers have to say” says Walsh.  “Charles River Running is not just a store for runners and walkers. If you are on your feet all day, then you deserve a properly fitting shoe that provides support and cushion. “

Since its opening in June of 2012, Charles River Running has become more than just a place to find the latest running shoes, seasonal apparel and technical accessories.  It’s also a hub of running and walking activities for area enthusiasts.  Walsh and her staff host monthly pub runs, a weekly evening running group called “ThursdayStrong,” marathon prep runs for those training for longer distance races, 5K races that benefit local organizations such as Norwood’s Circle of Hope and Boston’s chapter of Back on My Feet and even in-store yoga classes. 

Coming this spring, the store is co-sponsoring  a youth track and field program through the Norwood Civic Center and will also help host the regional all-comers Hershey Track Meet for boys and girls. 

“I always knew that Charles River Running was going to become much more than a shoe store. Thanks to the generosity of local runners and businesses we’ve been able to pool resources and reach out to our community at large” says Walsh. “We wouldn’t be here without our community and our success is directly linked the health and prosperity everyone around us.”

When asked what her next steps are, Walsh gives a quick chuckle and says “more running, more shoes, and more happy faces.”

Charles River Running is located at 679 Washington St. in Norwood Center.   For more information about Charles River Running, you can go www.charlesriverrunning.com  and their Facebook page at www.facebook.com/CharlesRiverRunning.