History

History

The Runner’s Connection was founded by long time running enthusiast Dennis Delbert and opened its doors in

November of 1999. Since then, Dennis has helped thousands of runners and walkers and even those who just

need a good comfortable shoe. The one on one service that the store displays can be matched by no other

running shoe store in the area. Dennis has put his 35 years of running and 20 years of coaching experience into

serving the running and walking community.

Dennis is a veteran runner with over 40 first places finishes in local road races. He’s been a regular at the

Ogden 20k Classic (formerly the Big Boy Classic) and has four top twenty finishes to his credit. Dennis has not

only made a name for himself on the local level but has competed in both the New York City and Boston

Marathons with great success. As a veteran coach of twenty years, Dennis has had a great impact on the youth

involved in running. He has been coach of the year 4 times, career state coach of the year in 2002, and awarded

the Bellaire High School Alumni Achievement Award in sports in 2001. Many of his past athletes still run and keep in

constant contact with him and many still seek his coaching skills long after their high school days are over.

Dennis has also taken on the task of coaching some of the areas finest runners in distances ranging from 5k

up to the marathon.

Dennis resides in Bellaire with his wife Mary Jo and son Justin.

Dennis on his way to another top 20 finish at the Ogden 20k in Wheeling WV. in 2005

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