If you've ever run a race in Central Florida, you've probably crossed paths with Track Shack. In this episode of The Orlando Real Podcast, Ken Pozek sits down with second-generation owner Chris Hughes to talk about how a small Mills 50 running store, open since 1977, became the hub of Orlando's running community.

Chris Hughes is the Vice President of Business Operations of Orlando’s beloved family-owned running store and event company, Track Shack. Since 1977, Track Shack has kept Central Florida’s runners and walkers fit, inspired, and connected through retail expertise, training programs, and community events. Learn more about Track Shack at www.trackshack.com and stay up to date on the latest on Instagram at www.instagram.com/orlandotrackshack

In this conversation we explore the store's history, growing up in the back of the shop, how Track Shack produces around 15 local races a year plus the run management for runDisney, the rise of Orlando's run clubs, and the Track Shack Youth Foundation, which has given more than $3 million to programs that improve kids' lives through sports. They also cover how Mills 50 transformed into one of Orlando's best neighborhoods, tips for getting into running, and what's next as Track Shack heads toward its 50th anniversary in 2027.

This episode is brought to you by The Pozek Group. Thinking of selling or buying a home anywhere in Greater Orlando? We’d love to help! Reach out at https://pozek.com/youtube or email info@pozekgroup.com to get started.

• 0:00 What Is Track Shack?

• 1:19 Who owns Track Shack? The Hughes

• 3:26 How Mills 50 Transformed Over the Decades

• 4:26 What Makes Orlando's Community Unique?

• 5:37 The 15 Races Track Shack Produces Each Year

• 6:38 How Track Shack Got the runDisney Contract

• 7:58 Early Race Memories: Chip Timing & Spindles

• 9:54 The Original runDisney Marathon

• 10:22 Track Shack's Running History Museum

• 12:03 Producing the Olympic Marathon Trials in Orlando

• 13:01 How does a Running Shoe Fitting Work?

• 14:41 The Track Shack Youth Foundation: $3M Given Back

• 15:49 Is Running Having Another Boom in Orlando?

• 16:43 Orlando's 100+ Run Clubs

• 17:42 How to Get Started as a New Runner?

• 18:47 How to Find Your First Runners High?

• 20:10 How to get a runDisney Bib?

• 20:46 Run Clubs, Events & Training Programs in Orlando

• 22:12 Is Track Shack a Store or Event Company?

• 23:36 Track Shack's 50th Anniversary: What’s Next