Joe Matias, the owner of A Runner’s Circle Running Shop, is a native of Legazpi City (Albay) and now resides in Los Angeles, California. His shop is located near Griffith Park, a nice place to run, and his store’s staff are elite runners and champions of road races in Los Angeles.  Joe had been a consistent source of my Project Donate A Shoe by sending to me Balikbayan Boxes (BB) filled with slightly used shoes donated by his customers and friends.

 Last week, a BB was delivered to our office filled with shoes which we intend to donate to other runners who can not afford to replace their old shoes. A quick inspection of the shoes showed that they are slightly used and there is a need to wash them first before we display or donate them to other runners. I have yet to find out the exact number of pairs inside the box but I am sure this effort from Joe is very much commendable. Thank you very much, Joe!

Let me take this opportunity to mention some of the community services or “gimmicks” that Joe’s Running Shop had been sharing to the runners in Los Angeles. Aside from accepting Donated Shoes from runners, he conducts “fun runs” at Griffith Park and Silverlake Park on Tuesdays & Thursdays (afternoon) from 4:00-6:00 PM with a hydration booth with free candies & water. In these “fun runs”, he gives a brand-new running shoes to a lucky participant through raffle. He maintains an Elite Team of Runners who are his store staff. Lately, he has organized a Triathlon Club that carries the name of the shop.

Mabuhay ka, Joe!