Avoid the Black Friday Chaos with these Deals for Runners
Black Friday has become a bit of a monster. Lining up after your turkey dinner for a half price flat screen TV you don’t really need, has become as much a part of Thanksgiving as pumpkin pie and football. As a runner, you may have an advantage when it comes to snatching those discounted electronics, appliances or bath towels.
I’m not a fan of Black Friday chaos. I would rather start the holiday with a turkey trot, gorge myself on turkey, sleep it off, decorate for Christmas on Friday, and then go and grab deals at my favorite small businesses on Saturday. Pacing yourself is an undervalued virtue this time of year.
Much like last year, I’ve highlighted some of the Black Friday deals for runners. There’s a little something for everyone. Several specialty running stores in the Twin Cities sent us their sale information – killer deals!
If your local store isn’t below, check this list of Minnesota running stores and contact them to see what they have going on.
Twin Cities in Motion
Here’s a great gift idea! Register for one of Twin Cities In Motion’s five TC Challenge Race Series! Each series contains 3-4 races and participants get an exclusive Brooks® Essential Long Sleeve ½ Zip and a gorgeous series medal for their effort.
Register now at early bird rates and have your racing set for the year. Several series are more than 50% full!
TCM is also holding a HUGE Black Friday sale on marathon merchandise. 50% off! Even if you didn’t run TCM this year, this is high quality Brooks® apparel. Order online Thursday and Friday, and pick it up in the office the following week to save on shipping.
Mill City Running
Stop by for the weekly Flapjack Friday run, shower, then come back when the doors of Mill City Running open at 10 am! They are open until 6, and again Saturday from 10 am – 5pm. If you spend $100 (or more), you’ll walk home with a great grab bag, full of a variety of fantastic running accessories. From socks, fuel apparel of other great prizes!
Additionally, spend the following amounts and get a gift card. Use it to stock up on winter running gear.
- $100 – $15
- $150 – $25
- $200 – $40
- $250 – $50
Run n Fun
With locations in Burnsville, Minneapolis and St. Paul, there is probably a Run n Fun near you.
Run n Fun will be giving a $25 gift certificate for every $100 purchased at retail price. This gift card can be used at the time of sale (instant savings!).
They also have 50% off retail price on all clearance apparel. Make sure you enter the drawing for a free pair of Brooks Ghost or Brooks Adrenaline. To keep your glycogen stores up, Christmas snacks and goodies will be on hand while you shop.
Marathon Sports
Now part of the great Fleet Feet chain, Marathon Sports at 2312 W 50th St in Minneapolis is hosting the Fitnatic Weekend with loads of specials on all apparel and accessories.
Owner Jon Long says,
we will have a drawing for the first 50 customers in the door on Friday at 9am. All of the first 50 clients will win gift cards ranging from $10.00 up to the grand prize of $200!
Gear Running
Located on the other side of the lake, Gear Running in Edina has some fun stuff going on. Owner Paul Horan says,
we will be offering in-store specials, free socks with purchases over $100.00. We will also be serving beer, wine, soft drinks, and appetizers throughout the day.
Twin Cities Running Co.
Check out the following deals at TCRC All Weekend – Friday, November 28 – Sunday, November 30.
- 25% off shoes
- 30% off winter apparel
- 50-70% off clearance apparel
General manager Kurt Decker also mentions,
for every $50 you spend, you are entered to win a $100 TC Running gift card (one winner per store per day- 6 total)!
Start Line Running
Located in Minnetonka, Start Line’s doors open at 8 am on Black Friday with a “Burn off the Bird” fun run. Enjoy food, beverages and shopping or socializing afterwards.
Enjoy promotional and gift card coupon drawings throughout the day. Like others, buy a $100 gift card and receive a $25 gift card free ($25 gift card not valid to use until 12/26/2014). Great for building your winter running wardrobe.
Duluth Running Co.
For those of you up north, Duluth Running Co. will be kicking off Black Friday with Friday night Brews and Shoes. Part of a bigger series of events, there will be free samples from the Thirsty Pagan. Tony Stensland, store manager says,
from 5pm to 7pm in the store we’ll have representatives from the Superior, WI brewery the Thirsty Pagan, handing out free samples of some of their great beer.
On small business Saturday, they will offer free coffee from a local restaurant Mocha Moose. Any customer who spends more than $100 will receive a free Duluth Running Co. coffee mug.
Online Deals
I believe it’s always important to shop local whenever possible, but sometimes you can’t. Here are a few online deals (and gift ideas) in anticipation of cyber Monday:
Road Runner Sports
A huge online running retailer, Road Runner is offering some great online deals this weekend. By using this link, you can get 20% off your order (if ordering for the first time).
Runners Connect
Runners Connect is offering deals on both their Strength Training for Runners and Marathon Nutrition Blueprint. Both of these guides are extremely valuable if you’re looking to hit your 2015 goals.
Other Deals
As you come across deals that others could benefit from, leave them in the comments below!
