Fleet Feet West Reading is comprised of some of the most passionate individuals in run specialty. Their focus is centered around giving you the best possible experience time after time as well as ensuring you achieve your needs in lifestyle, fit, customer service, training and product. The team is committed to the Berks County running community and won't stop until each visitor is fully satisfied.

Sorita Averill Fitzgerald

Owner & Chief Running Officer

Sorita is the founder and owner of Fleet Feet West Reading. She opened the store as A Running Start in 2004 to realize her dream of providing a service-oriented shop where runners of all ages and abilities could find shoes, technical apparel and accessories to meet their needs. As an RRCA (Road Runners Club of America) Certified Coach, Sorita initiated “Learn to Run” and half marathon training programs that provide proper instruction, training advice and supervision for participants new to the sport.

Despite a history of asthma, Sorita started running at age 28, finding that running improved her lung conditioning. She started competing in short runs, then joined a running club and started training for longer distances, including marathons. Today, Sorita enjoys competing in a wide variety of events, ranging from 5K road races to full Ironman distances (2.4 mile swim, 112 bike and 26.2 run).

She actively supports the running community and is the director of several local races, including Fitzy’s Halloween 5K Run, The Big Run, and The Run Santa Run 5K. She also served on the board of directors for Girls on the Run in Berks County.
Prior to founding ARS, Sorita had a career in pharmaceuticals and sales. She is a graduate of Cabrini College with a degree in Bachelor of Arts, and her Masters of Science from the University of Pennsylvania.

In January of 2018, Sorita decided to partner with the Fleet Feet brand.  ARS joined the Fleet Feet family and became Fleet Feet West Reading.

 Zach Barker

Store Manager & Footwear Buyer

Zach grew up with a background in soccer and basketball, but casually decided to join track at Conrad Weiser in the 7th grade.   Slowly falling in love with the sport, Zach transitioned to becoming a year round runner.  He learned his love for the sport on the beaten roads and trails of Robesonia, logging many miles with incredible teammates.

Zach comes to Fleet Feet with a career dedicated to the running industry. He believes that running is a gift and has made it his goal to assist other runners wishing to experience this gift. He loves serving the Reading running community by providing runners with exceptional gear and service at Fleet Feet West Reading!

Alex Watson

Assistant Manager & Accessories Buyer

Alex ran his first 5k with his grandfather at the age of 10. He learned to love the sport while competing for Fleetwood High School  and found out that running is something he would do for the rest of his life. 

Since his collegiate career at Kutztown University, Alex has found that he enjoys helping others enjoy the sport just as much as he does. He was happy to join the Fleet Feet team so that he could continue maintaining his love and knowledge of the sport.  Alex is currently working towards another bachelor’s degree in Electro-Mechanical Engineering while he continues in his role at the store. 

Melissa Lin

Fit Specialist

Adriane Hoke

Fit Specialist

Adriane was born and raised in Reading, PA.  She has been running since 7th grade, following in the footsteps of her father who was an athlete of the year at Reading High School and was also inducted into the RHS Hall of Fame in 2017. She is a proud mother of 4 teenage children while she also coaches cross country at Wyomissing High School.  She had the opportunity to coach her oldest daughter, Cameron, for 2 years.
She is very active in the community and sits on several boards.  She has made it a point to give back to her community in any way she can.
She is currently training for her 9th half marathon while living by her mantra, “All or Nothing”.

 Elizabeth Sweeney

Fit Specialist

Liz fell in love with running at an early age. She started racing and competing at 8 years old for the Westbury Track Club in NY. Her family moved to Fort Washington, PA for her high school years where she attended Upper Dublin HS and gained even more passion for the sport. She focused on mid to long distance, became State Runner-Up in PA and received a Division 1 Scholarship to St. Joseph’s University in Philadelphia.  Upon graduation, Liz needed a break from running and competing and took 15 years off.

After having 2 kids and suffering the loss of their father, she was propelled back into the sport and joined the Garden State Track Club after winning several local races with minimal training. She went on to compete in the USATF Cross Country Nationals and Outdoor Nationals placing in each event and hitting times she never thought was possible at her age. She continued to race at a high level until she tore her meniscus and was forced to take time off from running.  Now Liz is focused on cultivating the talent of her children in the sport she loves.  Watching them achieve goals is much more fulfilling and she realizes that her new passion is helping others. Liz recently moved to the Reading area and found the Fleet Feet family.  She now enjoys helping others with their outfitting needs and staying involved with the running community. 

Tyler Barrett

Fit Specialist

Tyler is a senior student-athlete at Alvernia University where he is a member of the Cross Country and Track & Field team. Tyler began running competitively in 6th grade for his middle school as a way to get in shape for his other primary sports, hockey and lacrosse. He always had a passion for the sport of running. He enjoys the nature and scenery while on runs as well as making lots of memories with friends, teammates, and coaches throughout his many years competing. Tyler enjoys helping others and being a difference in people's lives.

 Allie Amin

Fit Specialist

Allie is a student at Wyomissing Area High School and is on the cross-country team and indoor/outdoor track team. She began running in 7th grade at the track workouts ARS offered and has been running ever since!  She loves the positivity and support of the running community, and after participating in many of our store races, Allie jumped at the chance to join the Fleet Feet West Reading team. She hopes to help people discover the joy of running while helping them reach their running goals!

Guiness & Weston

Store Greeters & All-Around Good Boys

Guinness joined the Fleet Feet team on St. Paddy's Day in 2017.  He loves playing with his owners, Michael and Sorita, in the Highlands of Wyomissing.  Guinness has really taken to his role as store greeter, and might even greet you with a fresh pair of Balega socks he stole out of our try on bin.  Consequently, his sock sales have been through the roof!

Weston joined the team in April of 2017.  Weston enjoys running at Blue Marsh and cuddling with his owners, Zach and Katie.  He loves his role at Fleet Feet West Reading and will likely give you a welcome "kiss" as you walk through our door (We've told him employees can't kiss customers, but he still insists).