Columbus-based athletic apparel brand Uncommon Runner has officially launched a new collection designed specifically for runners, with gear rigorously tested and approved by the local running community. Founded by Luke and Emma Sears, the brand focuses on performance wear and has built its reputation around feedback-driven design.
The latest collection, released on May 18, includes a full lineup of athletic essentials such as singlets, shorts, tank tops, and sports bras. Each item is crafted from high-quality Italian fabric and built from the ground up, incorporating months of input from runners across Columbus. According to co-founder Luke Sears, everything in the collection was “designed from scratch” to meet the real needs of athletes in the area.
Although this marks the brand’s first release of technical performance wear, the concept behind Uncommon Runner has been in development for some time. In 2024, the company held a soft launch of casual apparel including t-shirts, hoodies, and hats, which was well received. That early success helped set the stage for the more ambitious performance line that followed.
Luke and Emma originally moved to Columbus from the United Kingdom in 2017 for a job opportunity. Though it was their first time in the city, they quickly felt a connection and ultimately decided to stay. “We had the opportunity to go home, but Columbus actually felt like home, so we decided to stay,” Luke recalled.
A lifelong runner, Luke found community and inspiration in Columbus’s vibrant running scene. He joined local running clubs, explored the city through his runs, and began to envision a brand that could serve the Midwest in the same way top-tier running brands serve cities on the coasts. “With Columbus having such a strong running community and identity, I thought, well, this is a great opportunity for us to have our own independent running brand that’s built and designed with the people of Columbus and Ohio,” he explained.
To refine their products, Luke enlisted runners from the clubs he joined to test the early prototypes. Their feedback on fabric choice, fit, and detailed features played a key role in shaping the final designs. “It’s really enabled us to tweak and tune our gear for the Ohio runner and for the Columbus runner,” Luke said, emphasizing the importance of user feedback in perfecting the gear.
While Uncommon Runner operates mainly through its online store, the founders plan to host pop-up events at upcoming races throughout Columbus. Though they are open to future possibilities, their current focus remains on building and maintaining a strong digital presence to connect with customers across the running community.
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