The Human Race Story

This is the story of Human Race Sports, a family business built on passion, community, and a love for running. Located in Orland Park, Illinois, the store has proudly served the community since 2002, helping people stay active, comfortable, and supported in everything they do.

The journey began with Bill, whose love for running started in high school and grew into an extraordinary personal commitment. Bill completed 20 consecutive Chicago Marathons starting in 1985 and spent years mentoring runners through the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society, helping them train for 26.2 miles while raising funds for a meaningful cause.

Through these experiences, Bill realized something important: the right guidance and support can change everything. Inspired by this insight, he started Human Race Sports to create a place where people could receive the care and attention they needed to move safely and confidently. Over the years, the passion for helping others has been passed down to his daughter, Amanda, turning the store into more than a business—it has become a family legacy.

What truly sets Human Race Sports apart is the team. Many employees have been with the company for decades, forming a close-knit family that shares the same mission: supporting the community and helping every visitor feel valued. The connections built here are not just about service—they’re about relationships, trust, and care.

Every visitor to Human Race Sports experiences guidance tailored to their unique needs. The team listens, observes, and provides thoughtful advice so each person can move comfortably, safely, and with confidence. This commitment to personalized service has made the store a trusted part of the community and earned recognition, including a feature on Chicago’s WGN Morning News.

The people who walk through the doors are diverse—runners, walkers, and anyone who spends time on their feet. Some seek guidance because of discomfort or challenges, while others come simply to learn how to move better. Every person is treated like family, and every interaction reflects the values that built the business: care, respect, and community.

At its core, Human Race Sports is about more than a store—it’s about a philosophy of service, dedication, and passion. It’s about helping people move well, live better, and achieve their goals. From the founding to the present day, the mission has remained the same: to support the community and make a difference in the lives of those who walk through the doors.

From the family at Human Race Sports to yours, welcome. Whether you’re running, walking, or simply on your feet all day, you are part of The Human Race.

A man and woman standing inside a running shoe store, holding gold balloons shaped as the numbers 2 and 4, celebrating age 24. They are both wearing light blue hoodies and smiling. The store has shelves with various athletic shoes and running accesso
A group of people wearing white shirts standing in front of a building with a sign that says 'The Human Race Sports.' They are under a blue canopy that reads 'Fitness, Fun & Charity.' Two blue vehicles with 'www.HumanRaceSports.com' written on them a
A young man kneeling outdoors on a grassy field, holding the hand of a smiling toddler girl dressed in a light-colored dress and socks, with a partly cloudy sky in the background.
Two men and four women posing together in a shoe store, with shelves of running shoes behind them. One woman holds a running shoe. The group appears happy, and the setting suggests a casual or celebratory moment.
A man in running attire holding a trophy and wearing a medal, standing next to a woman in a blue T-shirt and red skirt, both smiling at an outdoor event with tents and other runners in the background.
A man and woman smiling and holding gold balloons shaped as the numbers 2 and 3 in a sporting goods store, with shelves of running shoes in the background.
A vintage photo of people running in the Chicago Marathon, framed by a wooden oval. Two women in athletic gear, one in a white shirt and shorts and the other in black, are prominently visible among a crowd of runners.
A man and woman sit in a store, smiling at each other while discussing new running shoes presented by a store employee. The employee holds a pair of white sneakers, and there are shoe boxes stacked behind him. The store has athletic gear and shoe dis
Three people talking inside a store with sporting goods, socks, and underwear on the shelves.
A woman and a man sitting on adjustable stepping stools in a shoe store, smiling and raising glasses of beer in a toast. They are celebrating their 21st birthday with large gold balloons shaped as the number 21 floating behind them. The store backgro
Two people standing in a shoe store, holding gold balloon numbers '22'. The man is wearing glasses, a light blue hoodie with 'We Run This Town' logo, and black pants. The woman has long blonde hair, a blue jacket, black leggings, and sneakers. They a
A man and a woman sitting at a restaurant table, smiling and holding glasses for a toast. Both are wearing light gray hoodies with a graphic and text reading 'We Run This Town'.
Three people standing inside a sporting goods store, with shelves of socks, athletic gear, and boxes of shoes in the background. The woman on the left is wearing a light blue hoodie, the woman in the middle is wearing a floral blouse, and the man on
Group of seven people in a sporting goods store celebrating 20th anniversary, with large gold balloons shaped as the number 20, standing behind a display table with running shoes, plants, and decorations.
Two people, a man and a woman, are standing in a store that sells athletic shoes. They are holding silver balloons in the shape of the numbers 2 and 0, celebrating a 20th anniversary or milestone. Behind them, a display of various running shoes is vi
Six people standing together inside a store, holding coffee cups, smiling, with a display of shoes and a labeled sign that reads 'BIRKENSTOCK' in the background.