Runners Plus Owner Eric Contreras Inducted into the Dayton Distance Running Hall of Fame

We’re thrilled to share that Runners Plus owner Eric Contreras has been inducted into the Dayton Distance Running Hall of Fame — a well-deserved honor recognizing his dedication, leadership, and impact on the local running community.

During the ceremony, Runners Plus Apparel and Location Manager Julie Mercado introduced Eric, sharing how his passion for connecting people through running has shaped both Runners Plus and the broader Dayton running scene. Under Eric’s leadership, Runners Plus has become far more than a retail store — it’s a community hub where runners of all levels come together to learn, train, and celebrate the sport. From supporting local races to cheering on first-time 5K participants, Eric’s influence extends well beyond the walls of the store.

Julie also reflected on Eric’s own athletic roots. After being cut from the Centerville High School soccer team, he discovered his true calling in cross country and track. As team captain, he led his squad to state-level competitions and ran personal bests of 1:59 in the 800m and 4:25 in the 1600m. His running career continued at the University of Dayton, where he was named Atlantic-10 Men’s Cross Country Student-Athlete of the Year in both 2005 and 2006 and again served as team captain.  After college, Eric’s competitive drive carried him into road racing and triathlons — culminating in the completion of IRONMAN Louisville in 2017.

After joining Runners Plus, Eric founded the Runners Plus Elite team, creating a post-collegiate environment for local athletes to continue training and competing together. His community vision grew even further in 2020 with the launch of the Dayton Track Club, now home to more than 300 members, including specialized training programs, an ultra-marathon group, and an elite squad of 60 runners. His mission remains simple but powerful — to elevate and connect Dayton’s running community across all ability levels.

Under Eric’s leadership, Runners Plus expanded with new store locations in Fairborn (2015) and Brown Street (2022), Runners Plus continues to build connections through popular traditions like the Pub Runs, which now draw more than 70 runners twice a month. Eric’s ongoing commitment includes sponsoring local races, supporting schools and charities, and preserving the history of Dayton’s running scene — including maintaining the Dayton Distance Running Hall of Fame website itself.

Eric reflected on how his journey began and what the running community has meant to him:

“Shortly after college in 2008, I ended up out of a marketing job and remember walking into Runners Plus wearing a UD cross country jacket to try to get an edge in the interview. I thought it would just be a temporary job, but it turned into something much bigger. It’s where I’ve really found my place in the running community. Working at Runners Plus, I started to see just how large and interconnected the running ecosystem really is. You realize pretty quickly that races, clubs, and events don’t just happen — they’re held together by an army of people who give their time, energy, and their weekends to make sure others get to experience the joy of the sport.

There are the race directors who plan every detail, the timers making sure everyone gets credit for their hard work, the volunteers handing out cups of water and high-fives, the medical professionals keeping us healthy, the local businesses that sponsor events, and the store staff helping runners find the gear that keeps them moving. Seeing that up close changed how I think about running — it’s not just about who crosses the line first, but also about the network of people who make sure there is a finish line.

I feel lucky to have a career that connects me to all of those people — to see the selflessness, the camaraderie, and the shared sense of purpose that make this community so strong. The Dayton Distance Running Hall of Fame recognizes all of those people — runners, coaches, and contributors — and that’s what makes it so special.”

From his first day at Runners Plus to leading the store today, Eric has embodied what Dayton’s running community is all about — connection, encouragement, and a shared love for the sport. His induction is not only a celebration of his personal achievements, but of the countless runners, volunteers, and partners who make this community thrive.

Congratulations, Eric — we’re proud to run alongside you!