UP CLOSE: Running culture comes to Honiton

A new shop dedicated to the practice of running has opened in Honiton; offering a unique and enjoyable customer experience - equipped with a café space and sofa.

Run Venture, positioned mid-way on the High Street at number 114, is fast establishing itself as a hub for the running community in East Devon.

The brains behind the innovative venture is 50-year-old Colin Kirk-Potter; a former marine and professional runner specialising in ultra-running, which could mean 105 miles across mountainous terrain.

However, don't let that put you off enquiring about trainers for a couch to 5k you're attempting - although expect to be put straight on any misconceptions with honest advice to help you achieve realistic goals.

As Colin is keen to stress 'there are no egos at Run Venture' only a team of experts happy to share their wealth of knowledge - from nutrition to in-depth gait analysis and optimal technique.

In fact, providing high-quality, tried and tested kit is just one element within this multifaceted business shaped around the local running network.

"Run Venture is set up as a community hub; where you come in not just for a pair of shoes, but also a chat over a cup of tea or coffee, to have a niggle, find out information or discuss new gear," Colin told us.

"My wife and I had the idea for Run Venture about five years ago and opened the store in Tavistock, where we live."

Off the back of the success, the business expanded with premises in Helston in Cornwall and Honiton.

Colin continued: "Our plan was to open the Honiton store at the beginning of March, right when the coronavirus hit - so that was really good timing!

"The shop had to be boarded up and we pivoted the business, so I was sat in the shop with all the gear speaking to customers online to assess their needs.

"I would then post four or five shoes out for them to try - at no extra cost.

"Our turnover dropped to about 10 per cent, but it kept the wolves from the door and meant we could still pay rent.

"Post-Covid, we decided to go through with opening the shop and bringing our running culture to East Devon, which we feel has been missing here."

Have a look at the Run Venture website and connect with the running hub through their Facebook page.