Lauren Osborne, co-founder of The Exchange Running Collective, shares what she loves about the Nashville running community and her journey as a runner.

After years working for Nike, building connections with running specialty stores, long-time runner Lauren Osborne and her husband, also a Nike veteran, were ready to start something of their own. They established a mission and vision to “cultivate meaningful change in lifestyle and culture” and co-created The Exchange Running Collective in Nashville.

Since opening in 2022 in the East Nashville neighborhood, The Exchange has established itself as an inclusive and collaborative gathering space for the community, where a mainstream interest in running is nurtured. Osborne and her team partner with brands, local businesses, and run clubs to create community running events, and the focus of the store’s initiatives rests at the intersection of running, art, and social change.

The Exchange brings in brands runners are less likely to find at other running shops, such as PYNRS, Tracksmith, Roark, and Diadora. And occasional product collaborations feature artists and brands such as Jake the Runner and ArtiKen.

Follow The Exchange Running Collective on Instagram: @theexchangerunningcollective

Osborne shared with Running Lifestyle what she loves most about running in Nashville, her favorite gear, and her journey as a runner. Read on to learn more about this changemaker in the Nashville running community.

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What’s your favorite thing about running in Nashville?

Without a doubt, it’s the community here in Nashville. There’s always a group to run with and different events happening regularly. The running scene in Nashville is booming right now on both the roads and the trails, so come join us for some fun local events!

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Where is your favorite running route in Nashville?

Shelby Park is the best! Greenways, grass trails, and it’s along the river. It’s nice and shaded and very flat, but you can get some hills in if you run up to the neighborhoods or out to the Percy Priest Dam.

(Learn more about Shelby Park and other places to run in the Nashville City Guide, curated in collaboration with The Exchange Running Collective.)

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What’s on your list of current favorite running gear?

At The Exchange, we are constantly bringing in new and exciting brands and products. I have so many favorites — it’s hard to narrow it down. Bandit apparel is a top favorite of mine right now, along with the On Cloudmonster Hyper and Nike Vomero for training and the Nike Alphafly 3 for racing.

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When did you get into running, and what running accomplishments are you most proud of?

I’ve been running for 30 years. I was a three-time high school state champion, once in cross country and two times on a 4×800 relay team. I ran in college at the University of South Carolina for two years and decided my love for running was not what it once was.

After a few months off, I decided to train for my first marathon and rediscovered my love for the sport. After 11 marathons, I took a break, and over the course of having kids, I enjoyed running as a mental break here and there.

I’ve recently had a little resurgence in finding my competitive side again and really enjoying the challenge. I’m most proud that, as life has evolved, I’ve been able to continue to come back to running at all stages and use it as a place to find peace.

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Outside of Nashville, what’s your favorite destination race and city to run in?

The Chicago Marathon will always be my favorite. It’s where I got my marathon PR, and the energy and the experience is one I will never forget!

I really enjoy spending time in Asheville (North Carolina) to run the trails and decompress. It’s a beautiful city with great food and wonderful running.

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Check out the Nashville City Guide, curated in collaboration with The Exchange Running Collective, for more local insights on where to run, running groups, and places to grab a post-run drink or bite to eat.