‘In the community, part of the community’

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This article was published 18/11/2024 (632 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

Jonathan Torchia spent 13 years as a paramedic, with an up-close view of the struggles and challenges of Winnipeggers and the disconnect between different communities and available resources.

Witnessing that level of hardship can take a toll and Torchia needed a change.

So, while still young enough to take another direction with his career, the 37-year-old resigned in June 2021 and took over ownership of City Park Runners the following month.

The locally owned and operated athletics shop at 2091 Portage Ave., across the street from Assiniboine Park, turned out to be the perfect fit.

“We are much more than a running store,” Torchia says of the now-18-year-old business. “We are in the community, part of the community and for the community. The fact that we have 13 staff members that are fully on board makes it very powerful.”

Torchia’s passion for both running and community runs deep.

The founder of the WFPS Run and the Winnipeg Run Club has had a passion for the sport for more than a decade, co-ordinated numerous run clubs and clinics and immersed himself in the run community.

The WFPS Run (established in 2012) continues to grow, with more than 4,000 people participating last month in the annual fundraiser for the Heart and Stroke Foundation. Torchia maintains his position as volunteer race director.

When he’s not participating in a race, Torchia is running City Park Runners, which offers everything required to get involved, from footwear and apparel to hydration and nutrition.

“We cater to different customers, all different walks of life. People who go to the gym, runners, walkers, those who travel from Sage Creek, outside Niverville, Carmen, Selkirk. The word of mouth about our customer service and in-store experience brings people in — people are looking for that,” he says.

“When they come into our door, the attention is on the customer, one-on-one, from the moment they walk in to the moment they walk out. We’ve built a really loyal customer base,” Torchia says, noting his business continues to build relationships with medical professionals and community groups.

“We are trusted. We properly assess customer gaits, test out shoes — we go the whole gamut,” says Torchia. “I love nothing more than when people leave here satisfied and wowed.”

Garry Eng started running in 2018, after a more than 20-year hiatus. Being in his 50s, running was a means to take back control of his health. Upon introduction to City Park Runners, the chiropractor was impressed by Torchia’s enthusiasm, friendliness and knowledge, all of which were reflected in the staff.

“When you walk into City Park Runners, you are promptly greeted, customer service being of utmost importance,” says Eng. “From the first time you set foot in CPR, you are family and a part of their running community. Doesn’t matter if you are young, old, fast or you think you are slow.”

Eng said he also appreciates the proper fitting of customers with the right footwear, something big box stores don’t offer.

“Being in health care, walking and running can cause overuse or repetitive-type injuries. Knowledge is everything when being put into the correct footwear,” he says. “Jonathan supports many local amateur runners in their pursuit of their running goals. The result is they are putting Manitoba on the map in the running world.”

Eng is grateful for City Park Runners’ passion, shown by its support of many local races and charities. “Jonathan is one of the most giving people I know and he doesn’t think twice about helping out a worthy cause.”

It’s a reputation that keeps everyone fuelled at City Park Runners.

“We are genuinely and truly much more than a running store,” says Torchia. “We are constantly doing different events and initiatives.”

Whether it’s buying 500 bottles of water and donating them to an inner-city organization, supporting Indigenous work in the community, giving shoes to newcomers or making regular contributions to Bruce Oake Recovery Centre, Siloam Mission and Main Street Project or donating just because, City Park Runners stays connected to what’s going on in the city.

“If everyone pitches their one per cent, big things can come together,” Torchia says.

He used to run to chase time and goals. Now, he runs for mental health and clarity. Torchia never forgot his experiences as a paramedic, the suffering of so many on the streets: low-income, marginalized, unhoused.

“I know the areas where they are. I know the people I once served,” he recalls.

So, when the opportunity is there to make a difference, he does what he can. Torchia recently spent time with people in line waiting for a meal just to observe and get a sense of the community before dropping off a donation so more meals could be made and given out.

“The small stuff adds up to the big stuff. As much as I can give back, I try to,” he says.

fpbusiness@freepress.mb.ca