International athletes bring expertise to Navan store

RADICAL RUNNER Specialist shoe outlet provides gait analysis

'Radical Runner' on Navan's Watergate Street is a running specialist store recently opened by two generations of former international runners, Colm and Darragh Rennicks.

Both accomplished runners and lifelong members of Bohermeen AC, the father-and-son duo saw a gap in the market for a specialist running store and opened their new store at 30 Watergate Street some 10 weeks ago.

"Having run for many years I've always found retail outlets lacking in what I needed and was motivated to open one that we would be happy to shop in ourselves," explained Darragh.

"We have been lucky to work with some of the world's best coaches and expert physios and are delighted to bring our vision to Navan," he added.

Radical Runner specialises in gait analysis, which is an assessment of how you walk or run in order to find a shoe that best meets your needs offering the support that best suits you.

The store stocks Meath's biggest range of running walking and trail footwear with brands such as Saucony, Asics, On, Adidas, Brooks and many more.

Colm and Darragh are both former international middle and long distance runners offering the kind of experience and advice that a runner of any standard can benefit from.

Darragh is a seven times Meath senior Cross Country champion, with Meath, Leinster and All-Ireland medals in track, road and cross country.

Both Colm and Darragh ran with Bohermeen AC their entire careers and now coach many of the runners in the club.

During his career, Colm won 20 All Ireland Individual titles including track, cross country and road championships and ran for Ireland on many occasions.

A serious back injury in 1980 called a halt to Colm's career but he recovered well and got back competing and won three over 35 All Ireland cross country titles and went on to coach. He still trains three times a week with a local running group.

"Getting old won't stop you from running, but running will stop you from getting old, " laughed Colm.

Darragh studied Sports Science and Business and was also a scholarship athlete in America and Ireland. His coach was world renowned Polish coach, Olympian and world record holder Zbigniew Orywal from whom learned a huge amount.

"Navan needs a good running store and Darragh has a lot of experience as a successful athlete. He is well qualified to give good advice on the proper footwear and clothing to wear during the different seasons that we have in this country," said Colm.

Radical Runner opened 10 weeks ago in what was an abandoned building that lay in ruin for some 30 years and has been brought back to life as a bright, modern store.

Radical Runner is open Tuesday to Friday from 10am to 6pm and from 10am to 5pm on Saturdays. Appointments can be made or walk-ins are also welcome.