Marx Running & Fitness Perseveres in Lowell

Owner Mark Coddaire keeps his downtown store going through ups and downs over 20 years.

Published on Feb. 25, 2026

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Mark Coddaire has operated his Marx Running & Fitness store in downtown Lowell, Massachusetts since 2003, weathering challenges like a retail slump in the 2000s that left many storefronts vacant. Despite the difficulties, Coddaire has kept his business going by pivoting to event-driven models like hosting and supplying apparel for local races. As he undertakes renovations during the slow winter season, Coddaire remains optimistic that his store can continue serving the Lowell community.

Why it matters

Marx Running & Fitness's longevity in downtown Lowell highlights the resilience of small, community-focused businesses that adapt to changing retail landscapes. As larger chains have struggled, Coddaire has found ways to keep his store relevant by tapping into the local running community and event hosting. His story underscores the importance of entrepreneurial spirit and flexibility in sustaining small businesses, especially in urban centers facing economic headwinds.

The details

Coddaire first opened Marx Running & Fitness in 2003, but temporarily closed it in 2006 due to lack of foot traffic in the area. He kept the space for storage and as a meeting place for the Greater Lowell Road Runners group. Over the years, Coddaire has pivoted his business model, using the location for events and as an apparel supplier for local races like the Baystate Marathon. He also operates a Shoe Lab in the store to analyze running shoes and provide recommendations to customers. During the current slow winter season, Coddaire is undertaking renovations to the space.

  • Mark Coddaire opened Marx Running & Fitness in 2003.
  • Coddaire temporarily closed the store in 2006 due to lack of foot traffic.
  • Coddaire directed the Baystate Marathon from 2004 to 2010 or 2011.
  • The Greater Lowell Road Runners Angry Chicken Race is held every Tuesday from June 9 through Aug. 11.
  • Spring arrives in 24 days, at which point Coddaire hopes to reopen the renovated store.

The players

Mark Coddaire

The owner of Marx Running & Fitness, a running store that has operated in downtown Lowell, Massachusetts since 2003.

Greater Lowell Road Runners

A public running group out of Dracut, Massachusetts that has more than 1,000 members and hosts events like the Baystate Marathon that Marx Running & Fitness is involved with.

Ken Michienzi

The owner of the Lowell General Store, another business located in downtown Lowell that aims to highlight local goods and community.

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What they’re saying

“We've often used that location for storage and staging for events. It's kind of become an event-driven location, or at least it's worked its way into that.”

— Mark Coddaire, Owner, Marx Running & Fitness (lowellsun.com)

“The thing that attracted me to Lowell was the sense of community, so I constantly look for ways to serve residents and visitors better. Lowell and the greater area have so many talented makers, and that's what we try to highlight at the Lowell General Store. We want to be a place where the community comes together around local goods from local makers.”

— Ken Michienzi, Owner, Lowell General Store (lowellsun.com)

What’s next

As the weather warms up in the spring, Coddaire hopes to reopen the renovated Marx Running & Fitness store and see foot traffic return to downtown Lowell.

The takeaway

Marx Running & Fitness's two-decade run in downtown Lowell demonstrates the resilience and adaptability required for small, community-focused businesses to thrive, even in the face of economic challenges. By pivoting to event-driven models and tapping into the local running community, Coddaire has found ways to keep his store relevant and serve the Lowell area.