Ric and Dawn Ross are used to the excitement and nervous anticipation found at a starting line. Ric, a former record industry exec, was part of debut releases for some of the biggest names in hip-hop music today. He and Dawn also founded the Music Education Group (www.themeg.org) in 2006 as a way for youth to learn and lead careers in the Atlanta-area’s booming music industry. The program now creates and provides hands-on, technology-based programs for students in the City of Atlanta, as well Fulton, Cobb, Gwinnett and Henry counties. 

Ric’s passion for running and fitness equally shines through in the couple’s apparel start-up, Bold Running Club. It was this endeavor that led them to their next logical step — brick-and-mortar retail. They’ve now partnered with long-time friend and the founder of Big Peach Running Co., Mike Cosentino, as a “Peach Partner” to open Big Peach Running Co.–South Fulton.

The store will open late fourth quarter at 5829 Campbellton Road, Atlanta, GA, in the Sandtown Crossing development. It will also be Georgia’s first black-owned retail store dedicated to the needs of walkers, runners, comfort seekers, athleisure shoppers and fitness enthusiasts. 

The store will feature a full complement of footwear, apparel and accessories from many well-known brands, including Nike, New Balance, Hoka, On, ASICS, Brooks, Adidas and Lululemon. Its partnership with Big Peach gives it access to an award-winning shoe fitting process, training and programming from one of the largest specialty run/walk retailers in the U.S., with more than a dozen existing locations in the Atlanta area and Florida.

“To see the volume of enthusiasm and interest in an active lifestyle in South Fulton and the southside of Atlanta is to see this endeavor is overdue,” says Dawn Ross. “And Big Peach is the perfect partner for us in this market. Ric and I have long-embraced their customer-first approach and the 20-plus years of healthy fun the brand has brought to the Atlanta area.”

In 2023, the Running Industry Diversity Coalition (RIDC) published that less than one percent of senior leadership roles in the running industry are held by African/Black Americans, even though 14 percent of adults in the U.S. identify as such and more than one-third of all runners are people of color. Ric, Dawn and Big Peach believe the store will be both a benefit to the local community and an important statement to the industry.

“I’ve been excited about all that running, walking and fitness can do for a person and a community since I was on the cross-country team in high school,” points out Ric Ross. “Even so, the growth of the sport in black communities in and around Atlanta seems to be outpacing the opportunities to work or make a career in the industry as a black America.

 “As residents ourselves, Dawn and I are thrilled to open the first Black-owned store for Big Peach Running Co. in our hometown of South Fulton,” he adds, stressing that the couple will be passionately bringing quality service, education and expertise on running shoes apparel, and wellness to their community. “This is more than a store — it's an opportunity to empower the Black community and all of our guests with the knowledge and tools to pursue a healthier lifestyle through running."  

“I’ve known Ric as a guest in our stores since 2004 and to work with Ric and Dawn as partners who so vividly cast and share a vision relative to guest services, thriving communities and meaningful change is a true blessing,” adds Cosentino. “The depth-of-knowledge and genuine enthusiasm they bring to our concept is beyond substantial. Get ready, South Fulton and South Atlanta — here comes Peachy!”

Founded in Atlanta in 2004, Big Peach Running Co. is Georgia’s largest running specialty retailer. It is also one of the nation’s leading authorities on running, walking, and cycling equipment (through its Ride + Run concept) and has been selected as a Best Running Stores in America honoree multiple times.