About

The Company & The Owner

Runner's Republic is the first variation of Commonwealth Running Company. It is designed to be a community-first running company that will take what local running stores do best and utilize technology to enhance that experience by offering everything a runner needs in a seamless and comprehensive way.

Like Commonwealth Running Company (EST. 2019), Runner's Republic was founded by a long-distance runner from Chicago, who now resides in Glenview. 

Matthew Abitbol was born and raised in the Chicago area and first began running in 2008 shortly after losing 100 pounds. To date Matt has run 92 marathons across 39 states. Having started out as an inexperienced, unknowledgeable and overweight runner, Matt always felt that the run specialty experience could be made to be more inclusive and less overwhelming to an average athlete or someone new to running. It has been his dream to bring that experience to life since 2010. Runner's Republic, like Commonwealth, is the embodiment of that dream. It is a locally owned, independent, full-service running store. 

We sell footwear, apparel and accessories for running and walking. Our team is committed to enhancing the local running and walking communities through our offering of specialty products, educational resources and training opportunities to help you achieve your goals. We, ourselves, are runners, so we draw on our own experiences as well as our extensive knowledge of footwear and other running gear, in providing you with the best service.