The North Face will donate $5,000 to Fleet Feet West Hartford to support the store’s outdoor activities.

From left: Steph Blozy, Jeff Brusven of The North Face, and Carrie Blozy. Submitted photo

By Ronni Newton

Fleet Feet West Hartford has been chosen as the winner of the “Never Stop Exploring Award” by The North Face in recognition of the store’s work getting people of all ages and abilities engaged in outdoor activity in the community.

Fleet Feet West Hartford Co-owners Steph and Carrie Blozy received the award, which included a $5,000 donation to support their continued programs, at “The Running Event 2015” held from Dec. 1-4 in Austin, TX.

According to a news release from The North Face, the outdoor apparel, equipment and footwear company gives the Never Stop Exploring Award to a business “that demonstrates the most complete dedication to encouraging and enabling outdoor exploration within its community.” Fleet Feet West Hartford was selected “for its commitment to the community and inspiring a healthy lifestyle for children.”

The North Face Sales Manager Jeff Brusven, who presented the award, said in the release, “Fleet Feet inspires children and families, novice or expert, to get outdoors through a full range of opportunities. Fleet Feet embodies the spirit of the Never Stop Exploring Award and we’re proud to support them as they continue to get the people of West Hartford outside and active.”

The North Face specifically cited Fleet Feet’s work to motivate runners of all ages and abilities including its 5K, half marathon, and marathon training programs, support of high school track athletes, and the Zoomerangs Kid’s running program for children ages 3-12 that provides the “opportunity to experience running in a fun, friendly atmosphere while promoting an active lifestyle.”

The Never Stop Exploring Award, which The North Face created in 2010, “aims to encourage running specialty stores to initiate local community programs that break down the barriers to getting people outdoors. The award recognizes and supports retailers with programs dedicated to inspiring and enabling the next generation of explorers,” the release states.

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