Fleet Feet Sports, a specialty athletic store serving Northern Virginia, will open during April, 2005 at Fairfax Corner. Updated January 6, 2005: The originally planned opening during February, 2005 has been moved back. Fleet Feet Fairfax will provide running and walking shoes, and apparel and accessories for runners, walkers, swimmers, triathletes and those who seek to be healthy and fit.

Fleet Feet Fairfax, which is privately owned by Melissa and Graham Hardt, is part of a national network of more than sixty successful franchises that bring a unique specialty athletic experience to each community it services. Fleet Feet's professional staff will assess each individual's unique footwear and apparel needs by biomechanically evaluating their feet and body. This process consists of analyzing the individual's gait through video analysis or observation performed while the individual runs/walks.

Fleet Feet Fairfax will also serve as a gathering place for area runners and walkers. They will offer educational seminars, training advice, and race information. Training groups and fun runs will be offered for people of all ages and abilities. The store has already provided sponsorships for local races, even prior to opening its doors.

Graham and Melissa Hardt have been actively involved in metropolitan Washington, DC athletics for many years. Melissa, a native of Fairfax, grew up playing soccer in the Washington area and continued playing during college for the William and Mary Tribe. Upon graduating from William and Mary, the Hardts returned to Washington and began coaching youth soccer, training for marathons and participating in several distance races, including triathlons.

Graham proposed to Melissa minutes after completing their first marathon together, the 2000 Richmond Marathon, and planned for a future when they would open a running and walking specialty store together.

"We are so excited about the opportunity to join the Fairfax community and offer our services to the many athletes and customers who have inspired us to pursue our dream--health and fitness promotion in our local community," adds Graham Hardt about his store opening in 2005.

Graham and Melissa Hardt
Fairfax Corner Shopping Center
11893 Grand Commons Avenue
Fairfax, VA 22033

The store Web site will be www.fleetfeetfairfax.com
graham.hardt@fleetfeetfairfax.com
571-216-2407