Runners in Seattle and on the Eastside are fortunate to have several locally owned running-shoe stores within miles of their homes and offices.

Super Jock 'n' Jill in Greenlake, Seattle Running Company on Capitol Hill, Sound Sports in Pioneer Square and FootZone in Bellevue, Issaquah and Redmond all offer staff members adept at fitting shoes, and high-quality inventories.

So when "World's Largest Running Store" Road Runner Sports came to town a few years ago -- on Super Jock 'n' Jill's turf, no less -- I ignored the store entirely, continuing to buy my shoes and gear from one of the local shops.

Last week, though, a friend who is also the fitness director at Seattle Athletic Club suggested I check out Road Runner in Greenlake. He said I would find both fit experts and a selection every bit as good as the local shops.

He was right on both counts, but what he failed to mention was that I would also find a good deal. Has he met me? Because the man knows I dig a good deal.

Road Runner's VIP program costs $19.99 to join. That gets you 10 percent off all regularly priced merchandise in the store for an entire year -- from running shoes and socks to apparel and running gel -- and $10 off your next purchase of more than $75.

For a runner like me, who goes through two pairs of shoes, a bushelful of socks and countless packets of Gu -- not to mention water bottles, tape and miscellaneous gear -- each year, that adds up.

In addition, the membership applies to your entire family, and once you buy five pairs of shoes, you get the sixth one free. Now, I don't have kids, but I understand that the ones with feet outgrow shoes pretty darn quick.

Another bonus? Road Runner gives you 60 days to try out new shoes, and if they aren't right for you, they'll exchange them for another pair. The store is also a good resource for information on local races and running groups.

Do I feel a little remorseful about supporting a chain store over a local shop? Certainly. But in lean times like these, I appreciate a retailer, whether based here or elsewhere, that stays in step with my budget.

Copyright © 2008 The Seattle Times Company