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DICK’S House of Sport is more than a store, it’s a full immersive experience. A goal for the sports destination is to help athletes reach the top of their game. 

Every Tuesday night and Saturday Morning, social run club Boston Road Runners starts and finishes at DICK’S House of Sport Boston. Keep reading to learn more about Boston Road Runners members Evan and Shauni, who are running in the upcoming 130th Boston Marathon! Be sure to cheer them on during their last stretch on Boylston, past the Pru, and across the finish line on Monday, April 20th! 

Did you grow up in the Boston area? 

Evan: I grew up about 45 minutes south of Boston, in Pembroke MA. Growing up, I traveled in and out of the city for sporting events and other occasions. Eventually, moving to the city to attend Wentworth Institute of Technology. I lived on campus in Fenway and eventually the North End. I stuck around after graduation and now live in Brighton.

Shauni: I moved to Boston in June 2024 for work, and found this amazing run club, joined, and never looked back. 

When and why did you decide to join the Social Run Club at DICK’S House of Sport?  

Evan: I joined Boston Road Runners back in 2024 while training for the Chicago Marathon. A friend had suggested I run with a group for my long runs to stay committed to the training. After joining, I quickly realized that the running community is filled with so many inspiring and friendly people. I was blessed with the opportunity to become a leader and help promote this community to others. Since then, we have transitioned out of other partnerships into a full partnership with DHOS, allowing Boston Road Runners to reach a wider audience.

Shauni: I was new to the city, and wanted to find an activity that I could do relatively cheaply, that would enable me to meet people, and give structure to my downtime outside of my work

Why should others join the Boston Road Runners?  

Evan: Boston Road Runners is a low stress entry to the running community. The plethora of run clubs in Boston can be overwhelming if you are new to running. With Boston Road Runners, you just have to show up and you’ll certainly find someone with similar experience and ability. I have made some of my closest friends from the running community and continue to meet many more amazing people.

Shauni: The community is amazing. I am obviously biased, as I am an ambassador for the club, but I think we are very friendly. When I was new, everyone was very kind and inviting to me. We support all paces, with athletes ranging from very fast, to myself (who runs at what I like to call the snail pace). We host a lot of events from DHOS, who are incredibly supportive of the run club, and there are lots of opportunities for social events around the runs themselves. 

How did you begin running marathons? 

Evan: Running a marathon has always been on my bucket list. I made the commitment to fundraise for Blood Cancer United and run Chicago back in 2024. I dove into training with absolutely no idea what I was doing. Along the way I was able to learn so much about myself and realized there was more than just miles and a medal to marathons. Since then I have set new goals and am trying to learn something new about myself in each Marathon I race in.

Shauni: This will actually be my first marathon ever. I was very lucky to receive a bib from DHOS. I never thought I would run more than 2 miles, let alone 26.2. Through Boston Road Runners, they encouraged me to constantly challenge myself and push myself to further distances. Once I ran the Run to Remember Half-Marathon last year, I knew I wanted to try and run Boston. 

Why did you decide to run the Boston Marathon?

Evan: This will be my first Boston Marathon. Growing up, the Boston Marathon has been a staple in the community. Spring in Boston is kicked off with the big race and, of course, the start of the Red Sox season. It’s a time when the entire city shows up to support people they don’t know. Rain or shine, the people of Boston will support you. Even after 2013, when the city was pushed down, we came back stronger and louder. It was a true testament to how important this event is to the city. When I was given the opportunity to participate as a runner, I couldn’t say no. It will be a lot more special seeing my family and all the people I have met in the running community all along the course, taking part in the celebration.

Shauni: I spectated the event in 2025 and was utterly blown away by the community spirit and how the entire city basically shuts down to celebrate the athletes and community around it. I was very lucky to get a bib through DHOS and am incredibly grateful for this once in a lifetime opportunity.

Favorite running gear to stock up at at DICK’S House of Sport?

Evan: Running shoes! I didn’t realize how fast people train through a pair of running shoes until I started running marathons. Thankful that DHOS has a wide variety of all the popular brands. Also, Running Gels! DHOS is one of the only places that stocks my favorite running gel, BPN’s Go Gel. 

Shauni: SHOES! I love buying shoes from DHOS as well as their huge range of athletic wear. The sheer amount of clothing they have is an absolute dream, I can always find something that fits, is comfortable and looks great!

Follow @pruboston for the latest marathon festivities happening at the Center all Marathon weekend long! On Saturday, April 25, join DICK’S House of Sport for a Local Runner Celebration for a day filled with fun activities, giveaways, marathon medal engraving, and more!