Online running shoes, running clothing and outdoor gear retailer SportsShoes.com has appointed a former Great Britain mountain runner as marketing manager for trail and outdoor.
Ben Mounsey, who has worked at the £93.3m retailer since 2019, has been promoted to lead trail and outdoor marketing strategy, campaigns and activations as the business expands within the category.
Over the past 12 months, SportsShoes.com has experienced ongoing revenue growth within its trail and outdoor division, underlining increasing demand for off-road running and outdoor pursuits.
An accomplished fell, trail and mountain runner, Ben has represented Yorkshire, England and Great Britain. His career highlights include competing for Great Britain at the 2015 World Mountain Running Championships, winning the UK Inter-Counties Fell Running Championship in 2015 and securing a silver medal at the 2019 World Masters Mountain Running Championships.
Since joining SportsShoes.com, he has held a number of roles across ambassador management, content, brand and marketing, playing a key role in developing the retailer’s trail and outdoor proposition and growing its customer base.
Established in 1982, Bradford-based SportsShoes.com offers customers in the UK, Europe and Scandinavia more than 15,000 products from 150 global running and outdoor brands.
Outdoor brands include The North Face, Salomon, Montane, Rab and Patagonia, while its running portfolio features Asics, Nike, Adidas, Hoka, New Balance and Brooks.
Commenting on his promotion, Ben said: “Trail and outdoor has seen a real surge in popularity in recent years, creating a significant opportunity for SportsShoes.com.
“More people are getting into trail running, hiking and the wider outdoors. Our focus is on showing up in the right way for them through strong campaigns, innovative activations and content that genuinely connects with the community.
“During my time at SportsShoes.com, I’ve worked with elite athletes while also helping to encourage wider participation in trail and outdoor activities to support healthier, happier lifestyles. Both are hugely rewarding.
“In my new role, I’m looking forward to building further momentum in the category by expanding our reach and activity, while strategically planning for the next phase of growth.”
SportsShoes.com regards itself as the most physically present retailer in its space with more than 100 activation events undertaken each year.
Recent trail and outdoor category initiatives have included Quid Games, an urban orienteering event series developed in partnership with British Orienteering to introduce the sport to new audiences.
The retailer also recently launched the SportsShoes Pro Alpine Trail Team (P.A.T.T.), believed to be the world’s first digital retailer-backed all-women’s European trail running team.
Looking ahead, key moments in the retailer’s 2026 trail and outdoor calendar include the Kendal Mountain Festival in November and the UTMB World Series Finals in Chamonix in August.
SportsShoes.com managing director Brett Bannister added: “Ben is a massive part of our business and we all love working with him.
“He thoroughly deserves this promotion. Ben lives and breathes trail and outdoor, understands and engages with our community and brings real credibility to the role as a former Great Britain mountain runner.
“He will play a key role in continuing to grow our trail and outdoor offering and ensuring SportsShoes.com is recognised as a leading authority in trail, fell and mountain running.”
For further information, visit www.sportsshoes.com
