runMoji Press Release

Fleet Feet Sports Announces Launch of Running-Based Emoji App 

runMoji™ will launch Oct. 1 and capture real-life experience and humor of running

Carrboro, N.C. – Fleet Feet Sports, the retail leader in building and supporting thriving local running communities, announces plans for the Oct. 1 launch of runMoji™, the first emoji application designed specifically for runners, by runners.
 
runMoji will provide emojis that depict the genuine culture of running, with representations of people and things—a female runner (with a ponytail!), male and female runners, each with a stroller, race bibs, a porta-potty, chafed nipples, an aid station, a sports bra, and a bagel —as well as common and iconic experiences and emotions, including a new pair of running shoes, crossing the finish line, and hitting the wall.

“Emojis are an essential communication tool, and just like running, they transcend age groups—everyone uses them,” says Ellen Donahue, director of marketing for Fleet Feet Sports.  “For such a large, passionate, engaged group that heavily uses social media for support, inspiration, and connection, there was a surprising lack of meaningful emojis for runners that capture this culture. Fleet Feet Sports’ runMoji will capture the full spectrum of emotions felt by anyone who runs, and provide a really genuine platform for runners to communicate and share in the experience together.”

The free app will be available for download through Apple’s App Store beginning Oct. 1, with plans to expand it to the Android store soon after. The brand will update the app regularly and introduce products, brands, and event-based emojis. Fleet Feet Sports also plans to debut emojis suggested by the running community at large via its website.

“We know runners because we are runners, and because our 164 locally owned and operated stores are entrenched in the running culture in their local communities,” says Donahue. “Who better to bring to life running emojis that embody all the tongue-in-cheek humor, the exhilaration, the highs and lows, and common but cringe-worthy moments than the brand that lives and breathes running with runners of all types everyday in communities across the country.”

Fleet Feet Sports encourages runners to suggest what runMoji they’d like to see released in the near future via the brand’s website. Runners can do so—and sign up for more information and runMoji updates— via the brand’s website.

For all media inquiries, please contact Allison Showalter at ashowalter@fwv-us.com or 919.277.1158.

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