The nation’s largest franchisor of locally owned and operated running stores will acquire New England-based Marathon Sports, which operates stores under the Marathon, soundRunner, and Runner’s Alley banners.
The financial terms of the deal, which includes Marathon’s e-commerce business, were not disclosed.
In November 2021, Fleet Feet announced plans to acquire JackRabbit, originally called the Running Specialty Group, from affiliates of CriticalPoint Capital. The transaction is expected to close this July. It coincides with the retirement of Marathon Sports owners Colin and Penny Peddie.
Under the terms of the agreement, Marathon Sports will remain a wholly-owned subsidiary and operate as a separate entity under the Marathon Sports, soundRUNNER and Runner’s Alley names. Each location will continue to use its current store name in all branding, marketing and community outreach efforts. In addition, the company’s leadership team will remain unchanged and operations will continue out of its Waltham, Massachusetts headquarters.
“This investment is a new step for Fleet Feet, with the goal of preserving the legacy and identity of the Marathon Sports brand in New England,” said Joey Pointer, CEO, and President of Fleet Feet, which has more than 250 stores in 40 states and is based in Carrboro, North Carolina. “We are confident in a seamless transition during the acquisition and look forward to working with, and growing alongside, the entire team of Marathon Sports brands.”
