Gord Hobbins, owner of Gord’s Running Store, is a well-known figure on the running scene. He has been a tireless supporter and promoter of the sport of running in Calgary.
Why is physical activity important to you? I have grown up being physically active, I haven’t known anything else. Aside from all the physical benefits, I find being active helps me maintain a positive outlook. It keeps me happy!
Why have you chosen to promote running to the community? I think that running is something everyone can do. It makes me feel good when I do it, and I’d like to pass that feeling on to others. I have set up running clinics to teach people who want to take up running but don’t know where to start. Everyone has their own “finish line” or goals and I would like to like them achieve these goals.
Can you describe some of the things you have done to promote PA in your community?Gord’s Running Store sponsors many events within the running community from 5km to ½ marathons. I also like to support the younger runners by providing prizes for the local track meets. In addition to running events, I contribute to local community programs such as soccer and hockey through donations and the provision of merchandise for silent auctions. We support children’s lacrosse teams by providing discounts on their shoe purchase. I also write articles on training tips for Impact Magazine to “preach the word of running”.
What is one thing that you feel is your most important contribution to your community?When I was a child, there was one local sports store in our community. With 4 boys in the family we were there at least once a week. The feeling in that store was always so friendly and comfortable, and the owner knew most of the customers by name. I wanted to have that same atmosphere and sense of community it my store. I enjoy it when people approach me on the street on at running events just to talk about our common interest of running.
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