Fleet Feet, the nation’s largest franchisor of locally owned and operated running specialty stores, has acquired the Marathon Sports retail location at 63 Hebron Ave. in Glastonbury, Connecticut. The acquisition expands Fleet Feet’s Connecticut store network and supports the company’s broader national growth and acquisition strategy. The Glastonbury store becomes the second Fleet Feet Hartford-area location owned by franchisees Fernanda and David Jacobs.
About Fernanda and David Jacobs
Since opening the Fleet Feet Hartford store in May 2023, franchise owners Fernanda and David Jacobs have driven strong growth in the Connecticut running market, delivering a 3 percent increase in year-over-year sales. They also received recent recognition by The Running Event as one of the Top 50 Best Running Stores in the country in 2025.
Both avid runners, the Jacobs bring respected, complementary expertise to the new Fleet Feet Glastonbury location. Fernanda’s eight-year tenure within the Fleet Feet brand, combined with David’s 30-year experience in commercial real estate, positions the store for success under the guidance of local experts embedded in the community.
“Greater Glastonbury and West Hartford possess proud, active outdoor communities, and high school sports teams with a long-standing tradition of successful athletics,” says David Jacobs. “We are eager for the opportunity to support local events and drive community engagement across our offerings, building on the great foundation that’s been built by soundRUNNER and Marathon Sports in Glastonbury.”
As part of their philanthropic work, the Jacobs support high school students from economically disadvantaged families by donating approximately 400 pairs of shoes and socks each season to high school athletes. The Jacobs also partner with Girls on the Run and the Boys and Girls Clubs of Hartford, as well as Achilles International. Additionally, David is on the board of directors of Foot Wear With Care, a nonprofit that focuses on providing footwear for the homeless, the Manchester Road Race Committee, and the Celebrate West Hartford Fund Run Committee.
Grand Opening Celebration
Fleet Feet Glastonbury’s soft opening will take place January 22 and will include a community run from the new store. A grand opening will be scheduled in the coming weeks that will include a run from Fleet Feet West Hartford to Fleet Feet Glastonbury, followed by a ribbon-cutting ceremony, champagne, food, giveaways, promotions and more.
Product Offerings, Training and Community
Fleet Feet Glastonbury will carry shoe models from top brands such as adidas, Altra, ASICS, Brooks, HOKA, Mizuno, New Balance, Nike, On, Puma, Saucony and Topo. Shoppers can also find apparel from lululemon, Vuori, Rabbit, New Balance, Chicknlegs, Craft and more. Whether athletes are looking for minimal or max cushion, walking-specific shoes, daily trainers, speed shoes, XC and track spikes, neutral or stability shoes, Fleet Feet Glastonbury will provide the leading gear in the running, walking, and gym segments.
Fleet Feet Glastonbury will offer various training programs as the year progresses. Shoppers will benefit from Fleet Feet’s fit id® outfitting process, which uses 3D foot scanning, dynamic pressure mapping, and ME3D to match customers with shoes and insoles that ensure they perform their best.
“Fernanda and David embody what Fleet Feet stands for, including local ownership, deep community roots, and a strong commitment to serving runners and walkers of all levels,” said Jason Jabaut, chief operating officer at Fleet Feet. “Their success in Hartford and dedication to giving back to young athletes make them ideal leaders to grow the Glastonbury market. We are excited to build on the rich legacy of Marathon Sports while expanding access to Fleet Feet expert outfitting, training programs and a community-first approach.”
About Fleet Feet
Founded in 1976, Fleet Feet is the largest franchisor of locally owned and operated specialty run stores. With more than 285 Fleet Feet stores in 40 states and a national headquarters in Carrboro, North Carolina, Fleet Feet is committed to providing runners, walkers and fitness enthusiasts with outfitting expertise, robust training programs, community support and rewards.
Fleet Feet believes that Running Changes Everything® and has been recognized in Fast Company’s Brands That Matter, the Inc. 5000 list of America’s Fastest-Growing Companies and Best in Business, Newsweek’s list of America’s Best Retailers and America’s Best Online Shops, and PRWeek’s Purpose Awards. Stay inspired, motivated and connected at Fleet Feet.
