Gallagher Fitness Resources

On the wall of the Gallagher Fitness Resources store in downtown Salem, a framed signed photograph commemorates a dramatic moment in the history of women’s running. 

The iconic black-and-white image that made headlines around the world in 1967 shows Kathrine Switzer becoming the first woman to compete in the Boston Marathon—despite being physically attacked by an irate race director who tried to stop her running. 

Back then, many people believed that women were physically incapable of running long distances. Switzer’s achievement helped shatter such misconceptions and barriers to inclusion. 

The framed photograph also recognizes Gallagher Fitness Resources’ role in opening up opportunities for women runners in Oregon. 

Switzer gave the signed photograph to store co-owner Susan Gallagher in 1998, when Susan set up a training clinic for women who wanted to run in races in Portland. The races were part of Switzer’s Avon Running Global Women’s Circuit, a series of events held around the U.S. and internationally.  

Unlike many other cities, Portland wasn’t offering a training clinic. So, Susan volunteered. “To inspire and help women run 5k and 10k races—that really resonated with me,” she says. 

Susan had only planned to do one clinic, but then Switzer asked when the next one was going to be held. “Susan, you can’t stop,” she said. “They need you.” 

Twenty-six years later, Gallagher Fitness Resources hasn’t stopped helping women of all ages and fitness levels discover how running and walking improves their physical and emotional health, self-confidence, and social connections. 

Sharing a passion for running 

Susan Gallagher and her husband, John, opened the store in 1997, with a friend, Bob Ray. All three were avid runners, while Susan has a background in occupational therapy and John has coached high school and adult runners. Susan and John now own the store, which they run with the help of two full-time staff members and a part-time summer employee. They offer an array of running shoes, clothes, and gear—along with expert advice on finding the perfect fit. 

“We wanted to bridge the gap between competitive runners and people coming off the couch who wanted to get fit.” Says Susan. “You don’t have to be competitive or serious about running to need good shoes. Whether you’re using them for fitness walking, walking the dog, or walking on vacation, you need good shoes.” 

That original training clinic for women runners has evolved into the Princess Steps program, a 12-week event offered twice a year to help female walkers and runners of all ages and fitness levels improve their skills and confidence. The program attracts women in their 20s up to their 80s, with the average age of participants being 40 to 50.  

Susan estimates that some 6-7,000 women have participated in the program over the last 26 years and have discovered “a wonderful, life-changing experience.” 

Each session starts with a fitness talk in the store, and then participants head to Riverfront Park in groups for a walk or run. Depending on their groups, women aim to walk or run in a 5k or 10k race.  

“It’s amazing to see these women’s progress and their improved confidence,” says Susan. “Volunteer leaders for each group also grow their leadership skills.” 

The groups provide motivation, accountability, and the social benefit of meeting new friends with similar goals and interests.  

Contributing to the community 

For the last seven years, Gallagher Fitness Resources has also offered Monday Runday—a co-ed group for walkers and runners. The group of 50 to 60 people runs and walks together in Riverfront Park before heading to local restaurants or bars to socialize.  

As with Princess Steps, the benefits are as much social as physical, Susan says: “People do races together, celebrate birthdays, and make enduring connections.” 

Beyond the store’s running groups, Susan also used to organize local and regional running events. Now she acts as a mentor providing advice and assistance to other groups that host events, such as the annual Race to Save the Harvest in Salem in July. The event raises funds for Salem Harvest, a nonprofit that distributes fresh produce to people in need.  

Running can seem like a solitary event—just one runner pacing off the miles, competing against the clock. Gallagher Fitness Resources helps runners feel like part of a community. For Susan and John, such opportunities are a “dream come true.” 

“It’s so awesome to be a part of people’s lives, and the common denominator is running,” says Susan. “It’s a tiny piece of goodness we contribute to the world.”