Moms on the Run Opens 50th Franchise

Moms on the Run is excited to announce the addition of its 50th franchise — and 9th state — with the recent additions of Austin (TX), Denver (CO) and Lafayette (LA). Now more women can experience the fitness, fun and friendship that makes Moms on the Run so unique.

Our mission is to inspire and transform women through a healthy lifestyle of fitness, fun and friendship. We are all about women supporting other women (not just moms), helping them to embrace fitness routines that fit their busy lives. 

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Moms on the Run began in 2008 in Forest Lake, Minnesota, when a group of moms meeting to exercise in a local park decided they needed a new goal to spice up their post-baby fitness journey: a 5K race. With a B.S. in Exercise Science, love for running and multiple fitness certifications, founder and CEO Karissa Johnson designed the program’s trademark “learn-to-run” curriculum. A variety of training programs for all levels quickly followed, and Moms on the Run was born.  Karissa knew the challenges of fitting in fitness all too well, having had three babies in four years while watching her own exercise program go by the wayside.

In 2012, after expanding to several locations and experiencing increased interest, Moms on the Run started offering franchises. To date, we have 50 locations in nine states. 

Eau Claire, Wisc., Moms on the Run co-owners Sarah McCutcheon and Shelly Peters were the company’s first out-of-state franchise owners in 2012. Peters recalls, “I was a young mom and new to Eau Claire. I was trying to get out to run, but it was lonely.” Hearing from a friend who coached for MOTR in the Twin Cities and loved it, Peters became intrigued with bringing the program to Eau Claire. As it turned out, her friend Sarah, who had run cross country with Karissa in high school, was considering it at the same time! “Moms on the Run offered a chance to not only coach but be involved from the ground level," says Peters. "Eight years later, running is no longer lonely but an established strong community for women here in Eau Claire.”

As part of our mission, we aim to spread Moms on the Run to women across the country, empowering them to lead healthier lives and model active lifestyles — and inspiring the next generation of healthy families. Our addition of three new states will help us to do that. 

“I’m excited to bring Moms on the Run to Lafayette, and am proud to be the first in Louisiana!" shares new franchise owner, Elizabeth. "We have a wonderfully engaged and active running community, with a long season thanks to our climate. As a new runner, I wanted to join running groups but was intimidated by experienced and elite runners. When I learned about the opportunity to bring MOTR to Lafayette, I thought it was a perfect fit both for me and my community. I love having fitness programs to help meet personal goals, along with the accountability factor, support, and friendship of like-minded women. Whether we want to walk, jog, run, or race we can be better together!”

Kristina, owner of two franchises in Minnesota, explains, "Being a personal trainer, I knew I wanted a way to inspire, motivate and educate women to find the joy in working out. When I became a franchise owner, I found this. I can set my work schedule while also being the mom I want to be to four young kids. I’m showing them you can truly have the best of both worlds, being a small business owner, staying healthy, and being there when they need me."

Our exciting part-time business opportunity allows women to have a job they love. As a bonus, they gain the flexibility to work around their families’ schedules, all while making a big difference in the lives of local families in their communities. Maybe you are someone who loves to run and encourage others, and would like to pursue that passion with a part-time business. Find out more about franchising with Moms on the Run.