Striders
Click here to edit subtitle
The Striders Difference - It's All About Service
Whether you've never run a step in your life or have been running for 30 years, having the right shoes and equipment will help keep you healthy, comfortable, and happy to keep running and walking.
At Striders every employee is rigorously trained to "fit" shoes so you know anyone that greets you is knowledgeable and able to help. We all use the products stocked in Striders so we can offer real life experiences along with expert advice.
All of us are active runners spanning college athletes, life-long runners, and recent converts. Feel free to ask us advice on your running and we will try our best to help and make recommendations. We strive to make everyone feel welcome and send you out the door confident and excited for your next run.
Come visit West Michigan's Local Running Store and Find Your Stride.
Meet Our Staff
Kristen T
I started running in 2011 when a friend told me about the couch
to 5k program. I finished the program on my 37th birthday and
soon after signed up for my first 5k race, followed by another 5k
and another, I was officially hooked. My favorite race is the
Twin Cities Marathon, my home town marathon.
When I am not running I enjoy lifting weights with my husband, hanging out with our kids and exploring the Grand Rapids area.
Aubrey M
I started running my freshman year of high school, and I have only grown to love the sport more since I graduated. I am currently at Grand Valley studying Recreational Therapy and I am also a member of the cross country and track club.
Nancy M
.It’s been a “fun run” being a part of the Striders team since it started 24 years ago, and going to part time this past year has only made it better! You’ll see Nancy running the streets of Grandville, biking the paths, and golfing on sunny days.
She’s run a marathon in her 20’s, 30’s, 40’s, 50’s and 60’s…maybe completing 26.2 at age 70 isn’t so far fetched! Stop in for some shoes and I’m sure she’ll show you a picture of her new granddaughter!
.
Gabby P
Gabby started running when she was 15, and her love and passion for the sport continues to grow every day.
She has competed in almost every distance from a 5k to a marathon. In the coming years, she plans to compete in ultramarathons, and her goal is to finish a 100-mile race at some point during her life.
She is currently studying to be a physical therapist at GVSU. When she is not running, you can find her walking with her dog.
Morgan W
I started running my junior year of high school and ever since running has been such an important aspect of my life.
I’ve competed in 5 and 6ks, while in high school I ran sprints and hurdles. Last year in 2021 I completed my first half marathon!
I am currently studying to be an occupational therapist at GVSU. When I’m not running, you can find me spending time outside, being with family and friends, reading or painting.
Michael T
I started running when I was in 7th grade, and the sport has been a major part of my life ever since.
The Story of Striders
After Jeff witnessed how much fun his disabled daughter, Chelsea, had being pushed and pulled through a triathlon in 2006, he decided to let go of some unhealthy habits and stop smoking. Not long after, he and Chelsea began running. In 2007, Chelsea and Jeff ran their first race. The time they spent running together helped them to meet a great new community of runners and triathletes. Jeff also realized it was great therapy for him and for Chelsea’s epilepsy. After their first race together, they were hooked. They couldn’t run together enough.
Over the next few years, Chelsea and Jeff pushed their physical limits with marathons and triathlons in West Michigan. In 2013, Chelsea was forever healed of her Rett Syndrome, just days after her last Riverbank run with her father. Jeff will continue to run with Chelsea by his side in spirit, and he is now able to keep the memories of his daughter alive by giving back to the running community with his wife and their store.
The Jauch's hope to carry on the great legacy of Striders that the Webster family built and so graciously entrusted them to continue. Though 2016 is their first year of ownership, it will be the 18th year of Striders legacy of supporting runners. The dedicated staff will continue to encourage and assist local athletes with all their running needs.