Our Story - The Pannells

Fleet Feet Sports Spokane is locally owned and operated by Wade and Julie Pannell.  Both native to the Inland Northwest, the Pannell’s have spent their entire lives in the Rocky Mountains and relocated to Spokane, WA in 2009.  Parents of two sons, Grafton and Bridger, and a chocolate lab, ‘Cino’; the entire family is engaged with the running, triathlon and active lifestyle communities in Spokane.

Wade grew up a cyclist in Montana and graduated from the University of Idaho with a degree in Landscape Architecture.  After a 15-year career in resort real estate development, Wade found himself 60 pounds overweight and dissatisfied with his fitness and level of activity.  After being challenged by a friend to become more active, Wade started running and at first couldn’t complete a single mile without several breaks.   After his first 5k in early 2006, the hook was set and the desire to be involved in helping people find their path to fitness began to grow.  His love of running and cycling has culminated in the sport of triathlon and Wade completed Ironman Coeur D’Alene last year. 

 Julie was raised in Moscow, ID and grew up a gymnast.  She graduated from the University of Idaho with a degree in Early Childhood Development and has spent her adult life dedicated to her children and their school communities and friends.  Julie has always been committed to a fit lifestyle and in late 2010 completed her first marathon in Maui, HI.   Later that year, she was surprised by an unexpected heart attack at the age of 37.  As a survivor, Julie has returned to her once active lifestyle of training and is committed to using her story to inspire others to overcome physical adversity in their lives.

Fleet Feet Sports Spokane is dedicated to supporting Spokane’s running and fitness enthusiast communities by providing quality training programs, educational opportunities and the right footwear and apparel to meet your needs. In addition, it is our sincere desire to help others along the path to wellness; whether returning from illness or injury, or regaining fitness.  Above all, we hope you enjoy the journey.