If anyone is owning 2022, it’s Keira D’Amato. In January, the Midlothian mother broke the American women’s marathon American record in Houston with a time of two hours, 19 minutes + 12 seconds — that’s quicker than Editor Katie’s half marathon time last September. Less than a month later, she placed eighth in the world running with Team USA in Oregon.
Keira ran with Team USA for the first time last month, when she placed eighth overall. | Photo by @janemonti.26.2
Photo by @janemonti26.2
Now, she’s opening up her own running store in Midlothian while training for her next World Championship.
=PR= Run & Walk by Keira D’Amato (15712 WC Main St.) will hold its grand opening celebration at its spot in the Westchester Commons next weekend. She’ll be in attendance throughout the weekend to chat + take photos.
Keira says she’s done all her training in and around Richmond — her fave is Pocahontas State Park — and the store is her way of giving back to the running community.
“Richmond is probably the friendliest running city in the world,” Keira said. “They have no idea who I am, but they’re just cheering for someone out there running. It’s just a really supportive place to be.”
Keira says most of the gear she sells, she uses herself. There are walls full of globally-known brands of shoes for walkers and runners alike, as well as apparel, electronics to wear on the run + health and wellness essentials.
“It’s a dream of ours to give back, to connect with the local running community, and to assist on everyone’s personal running journey,” Keira said.
However, it’s not your average running store. =PR= offers a personalized shoe fit process. That means using 3D technology, cameras, and a gait test to understand all aspects of your feet — the literal foundation of running.
The store is staffed by veteran runners + Keira’s husband, a runner and Midlothian native. They plan on hosting special events such as Cross Country Nights + may partner with other local organizations to get kids active.
For more running + walking wisdom, follow =PR= Run & Walk for updates.
Curious about Keira? Explore Keira’s major marathon milestones.