True Grit Running Company was founded to passionately promote a healthy and active lifestyle in Fort Smith and the River Valley area. We aim to create an exceptional retail experience by providing excellent customer care, product knowledge, and building strong relationships within our community.
True Grit Running Company provides the only slow motion video gait analysis system in Fort Smith, ensuring each customer has a unique experience. The process is simple, but effective. The customer will be given a pair of neutral shoes to try on and will run/walk on our state-of-the-art treadmill. One of our trained staff will examine the slow motion video taken of the customer running to see if the ankle rolls inward or stays stable once the customer’s foot makes contact with the ground. This will determine if the customer needs a neutral or stability shoe. Then one of our staff will bring out a few options for the customer to try on and decide which is the most comfortable, because comfort is what matters most!
True Grit Running Company is locally owned and operated by Melissa Vitale. Melissa became a runner later in life, when she sought to make a change in her lifestyle. Running ended up changing her profoundly—in body, mind, and spirit. Melissa is active in the local running club, Western Arkansas Runners and volunteers with Women Run Arkansas. She is on the committee for the Fort Smith Marathon and a member of the Running Industry Association Board of Directors. She now strives to share the joy of living an active, healthy lifestyle with everyone.
MEET THE STAFF
Melissa Vitale
Chief Running Officer
Melissa leads the charge at True Grit Running Company, combining her love for running with a passion for supporting the local running community. She first got into running when a college roommate encouraged her to sign up for a 5K, and she hasn’t stopped since! Her favorite race memory is the Wineglass Half Marathon in Corning, NY, and she swears by her Mizuno Neo Zens. When she’s not running, Melissa enjoys following Green Bay Packers football, reading, listening to podcasts, and introducing her high school and college employees to old movies. Her best advice? “Do not overlook the value that regular stretching and regular strength training can provide. Flexibility and strength are so important as we age and can help so much with our functional fitness.”
Drew Wiles
Run Coach
Inspired by his late grandfather, a former marathoner, he started running in 2011 and has since built an impressive career, with his most memorable race being the 2019 Dallas Half Marathon, where he took the win and landed his first post-race interview. His go-to shoe is the Mizuno Neo Zen, and he never runs without his Garmin watch or Feetures socks. When he’s not running, Drew enjoys spending time with his wife and two boys or playing basketball. His best advice? “Consistency is key! You have to put the work in day after day, week after week, if you want to see progress.” His favorite local running spot is the Riverfront Trail, and post-run, he keeps it simple with granola bars and water—because life as a dad of two keeps things busy!
Lakeya Richardson
Floor Team
Lakeya has been a runner since 3rd grade and loves helping customers find the perfect shoes to meet their needs. Her favorite race is the Survivors Challenge in Fort Smith, and she currently runs in the Mizuno Wave Inspire 21. Outside of running, you’ll find her gaming listening to Doja Cat. Her go-to post-run snack is a peanut butter sandwich, and her best advice for runners is, “Take your time. If you need to walk while running do it. Allow yourself mental space while running also. Take it easy on yourself and your body. Running is a mind and body activity.”
evan smith
Floor Team
Evan is passionate about helping people feel comfortable in their shoes—whether that means finding the right fit for everyday life or supporting them in reaching their running goals. He started cross country in junior high and has ran since! His favorite race memory is his senior year at the state cross country meet, where his team took home their first-ever state title. Evan’s current go-to shoe is the Mizuno Neo Zen, and he never runs without his Garmin watch and Mizuno Breath Thermo Gloves. When he’s not running, he enjoys camping, mountain biking, and Boy Scouts. His advice? “It’s never too late to start, and it only gets easier!”
Nathan wear
Floor Team
Nathan works on the sales floor at True Grit Running Company, where he enjoys being part of the running environment and helping customers find what they need. He got into running thanks to a friend who kept encouraging him to give it a try—and now it’s something he can’t get away from. His favorite race is the Fort Smith Marathon, and he currently runs in the Mizuno Neo Vista, always paired with a good set of non-cotton socks. Outside of running, Nathan enjoys playing disc golf and spending time in the gym. His best advice for runners and walkers is simple: consistency is key. You can usually find him running at Ben Geren, and afterward reaching for strawberries to refuel.
troy ferguson
Floor Team
Troy does a little bit of everything on the floor at True Grit Running Co., helping customers find the right solutions—whether it’s shoes, insoles, socks, or anything in between. Inspired by his dad, who got him into running at a young age, Troy’s favorite memory is competing at his senior year track state championship meet. He currently runs in the Brooks Adrenaline GTS 25 and never goes without quality socks like Features or OS1st. Outside of running, Troy enjoys riding motorcycles, forging knives, leatherwork, and playing pickleball—and he can solve a Rubik’s cube. His best advice? Stay consistent—hard work over time pays off.