05/02/2025
A Heartfelt Thank You & Farewell from BBay Running
As my 69th year begins and May—both my birth month and the store’s—arrives, it feels like the right time to reflect, celebrate, and say goodbye. After nine incredible years, BBay Running (and its previous iterations) will retire alongside me.
Running has been a lifelong passion. Over the years, I’ve logged countless miles—3 dozen marathons, 3 ultramarathons, and even a 68-mile attempt at my first 100-miler last year (coincidentally matching my age!). That perseverance mirrors my journey with BBay Running: challenging, rewarding, and sometimes humbling.
When Jim Clevenger approached me in 2016 about taking over Klicks Running & Walking, I knew the financials weren’t in my favor. But as my brother Gary and friend Todd wisely reminded me, some decisions aren’t just about numbers—they’re about the intangibles. And for me, that meant being part of this vibrant running community.
The early years were a crash course in retail (with more mistakes than I’d care to admit!), but by 2019, we’d hit our stride. Then the pandemic changed everything. Working solo, seven days a week, tested even my endurance-runner resilience. While we clawed our way back, the landscape had shifted—online shopping, changing habits, and now looming tariffs made it clear: the time had come.
But here’s what I’ll cherish most: YOU. The friendships, the stories, the shared miles, and the joy of helping you pursue a healthy lifestyle. Financially, the store may not have been a goldmine, but the wealth of relationships I’ve gained has filled my cup to overflowing.
To our customers, the Bellingham running community, my friends, and my family—thank you. Your support kept this store alive, and your camaraderie kept me going. While BBay Running may be closing, the connections we’ve built will keep striding forward.
With gratitude and a heart full of memories,
David Penrose
BBay Running
P.S. Stay tuned for details on our closing timeline—and let’s share a few more miles together before we cross this finish line!
