Runner’s High, New Jersey’s premier specialty running shop, has been in business since 2001, serving as a reliable source for running shoes. This local business is situated on Main Street of Downtown Metuchen, right in front of the local ice cream parlor, What’s the Scoop. The founder and current owner of Runner’s High, Rob DeFilippis, runs two locations in New Jersey: Metuchen and Freehold.
Before opening his running store, Rob DeFilippis was studying to become a physical therapist (PT). Towards the end of his schooling, he began coaching runners and found it more enjoyable than PT. Ultimately, the opportunity presented itself: As he was training some oral surgeons, they mentioned that they were looking for investments.
“I never wanted to grow up or wear a suit and tie every day, pushing me to go through with my running business dream and the investment,” said DeFilippis. A St Joe’s graduate, he decided to open his first store in Metuchen, recognizing the need for a running store in the area.
During the typical day at Runner’s High, DeFilippis does a little bit of everything, including fitting customers, social media promotion, writing orders, and checking products. On top of that, he continues to coach at Red Bank Catholic HS, do meet entries, make training plans, and coach online.

“One of the cool things is that the typical day varies. Some days there are three people waiting at the door when you come in. Other days you sit there until 5:00PM and haven’t made a sale, and in the last hour you make your whole day worth of sales,” said DeFilippis.One of Runner’s High’s biggest challenges on a daily basis is online competition, as many consumers would rather buy shoes online and get a good deal. The local business has to convince buyers of the personal attention and custom feedback that makes getting shoes from Runner’s High more appealing than Hoka.com and other retail sellers. The company is at a point where their biggest competitors are their own vendors.

The local community has played a crucial role in supporting Runner’s High since its establishment. It has become a place where people actually come to buy running shoes or shoes to address medical problems. Due to the tremendous amount of support offered by the local community, Runner’s High strives to be community based. They give back to the local community by reaching out to local high schools for spike nights where students purchase running shoes for the next season, providing discounts to local athletes, and organizing races in the local community.
One of the biggest hurdles when opening the business was getting sneaker contracts, as back in 2001, it was difficult to get companies to give you permission to sell their sneakers. DeFilippis also had little experience in managing a business, describing the entire process as “baptism by fire.” Over the years, the business has evolved from being just a running store to incorporating and addressing many more foot-related medical problems, like plantar fasciitis and hip and knee replacements. His proudest moments are when he fits someone for a pair of shoes and they look at him and think their life has changed.
For students interested in starting their own business, he has a suggestion.

“Have a passion for it, without a doubt,” said DeFilippis. He explains that if you don’t have a passion, you have to be able to handle challenges. DeFilippis urges students entering the workforce to be prepared to work hard and do a good job. He mentions one of his employees, and former Edison graduate, Paolo Pittenger ‘24, and how “his biggest asset is being able to connect with customers and take pride in what he does.”
For the future, DeFilippis hopes to continue growing and stay involved in the local community.
“I love seeing the Runner’s High logo outside. It is so cool to see your brand on shirts and cars, thinking: I made that,” said the shop owner.
In the next five years, DeFilippis sees his business growing and changing through social media by expanding outreach, and using AI, which can open a world of things that one can do with their business. DeFilippis hopes that Runner’s High leaves a legacy of honesty, hard work, and a job well done.