Get Your Jog On At Spark Running

Caitlin Burman has been a runner most of her life. She grew up in Severna Park, worked running retail throughout college at the University of Miami, ran a triathlon, served as president of triathlon teams and generally made running her primary hobby. “I always wanted to make running a career, but I didn’t want to be a pro athlete,” Burman explained.

Then the idea hit. Her home community, with the B&A Trail running through it, had no dedicated running store. “It seemed silly,” Burman said, “with the trail right there.”

In November 2011, Burman remedied the problem, opening Spark Running and creating a local store and running resource right in Park Plaza. Inside Spark Running, customers will find many common running necessities, as well as brands exclusive to the store. “We carry newer and more unique brands, and we’re the only local retailer carrying them,” Burman said.

Spark also provides customers with a state-of-the-art gait analysis. The system puts a customer on a treadmill, then videotapes the runner’s gait in both bare feet and in current shoes. Playback allows for analysis of the customer’s gait, and allows for a targeted shoe choice, which is then videotaped as well. “We can do a split screen to analyze four different shoe choices,” Burman described.

In its two years being open, Spark Running has already made strides in the community. The store has sponsored 5K runs at local elementary schools, and has sponsored the 5K To Feed 10K run for SPAN (Serving People Across Neighborhoods).

Burman has made Spark Running a resource and hub for the running community. As a local resident, she noted that the shop is a true local business: She cares about her customers and shares their passion for running. The store has hosted events, classes and workshops, including 5K, 10K and half-marathon training classes.

Recently, the shop welcomed triathlete and Ironman champion Chris Lieto and preeminent open-water swimmer Lynne Cox, and Burman hopes to have similar events in the future. “We’re trying to get more into celebrity appearances,” she explained. “We would like to do more of that in the future – have inspiring athletes talk to the local community.”

The close-knit aspect of the local area has been a huge benefit for Spark Running, and one its owner appreciates. “Everyone has been so supportive, and I don’t know that I’d find that kind of support anywhere else,” Burman shared.

Spark Running is located at 558D Ritchie Highway in the Park Plaza shopping center of Severna Park. The shop is open Monday through Friday 10:00am-7:00pm, Saturday 10:00am-5:00pm and Sunday 11:00am-3:00pm.

To learn more about Spark Running, call the store at 410-544-3184 or visit the website at www.sparkrunningstore.com.