THE BENICIA RUN HOUSE, a new business at 523 First St., not only is a place where runners can buy the equipment they need, it’s a place operated by and for runners, including those who want to get started.

Michael and Holly Potter and Nate Wheeler, the store’s owners and staff, all run. Michael is a triathlon and marathon competitor, as well as a participant in a full Ironman contest in Panama City Beach, Fla.

He’s been a track and cross country coach, a lead physical training instructor and a National Fitness coordinator for a law enforcement agency. Certified by the Cooper Clinic, Dallas, Texas, in several disciplines, he is also a certified indoor cycling instructor and personal trainer.

Holly is a nurse who likes running as well as walking, cycling, yoga and fitness classes. She, too, has competed in road races and some cycling events. Wheeler began running five years ago, and entered his first Bay to Breakers in 2012. Since then he’s run two marathons, one in Sacramento and the other in Napa.

The Benicia Run House specializes in athletic footwear and accessories, and the three use their technical knowledge of the sport to help clients find the proper footwear. They also encourage running through the Benicia Running Group, formed to give runners a chance to get together, share experiences, train together and motivate each other.

The Potters and Wheeler anticipate eventually having twice-a-week running opportunities for most club members, and a weekly run for a mothers’ group.

The store is open from 11 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. Tuesdays through Fridays, 10 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. Saturdays and 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Sundays. Those interested may call the Benicia Run House at 707-742-4156.

Josh Gates to speak at ghost conference

Josh Gates, internationally known paranormal investigator, will be in Benicia on Aug. 17 to give a presentation at the inaugural Benicia Ghost Conference organized by Angel Heart 4 You, Carol Mayer said.

Gates is well known as the producer and host of “Destination Truth” and the paranormal series “Stranded” on the SyFy Channel.

He has been the host of several “Ghost Hunters” episodes, starting with the Halloween special in 2007, and made a guest appearance on “Ghost Hunters International” in 2008. In 2010, he also was the host of the 100th episode, during which Alcatraz Prison in San Francisco was explored.

The event has other guests as well. Linda Grindel, a stand-up psychic entertainer and comedian, will open the event with a show involving conference participants, the event organizer said.

Actress Kelli Maroney who portrayed Samantha in “Night of the Comet,” and has appeared in “Ryan’s Hope,” “True Blood” and “Fast Times at Ridgemont High,” is another participant in the conference’s program. Also participating in the conference is Kal Malik, author of “Evil in the Attic” and a personal development specialist and energy and meaning consultant.

He holds degrees in information technology, psychology and artificial intelligence, and has developed an approach blending science, spirituality, psychology and energy, organizers said.

The day begins at 8 a.m. with check-in, breakfast and a meet and greet with Josh Gates, presentations, lunch, vendor fair and afternoon ghost walks throughout Benicia.

Admission to the conference is $150 for the breakfast with Josh Gates, presentations by Gates, Grindel, Maroney and Malik, lunch and the vendor fair, or $180 for those who also want to participate in a private ghost investigation in some of the buildings in Benicia that have been identified as haunted.

The conference will take place from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. Aug. 17 at the Veterans Memorial Building, 1150 First St. Those interested may visit beniciaghostconference.angelheart4you.net, or call 707-297-0081.

Economic Development Board announces new businesses

During the Economic Development Board July 17, the panel heard of new businesses that have opened in Benicia.

They are Simply Gorgeous, 814 First St., owned by Frankie Nunley; All Points Manufacturing, 6840 Goodyear Road, owned by Richard and Philip Snowden; and John’s Auto and Truck Repair, 860 Teal Drive, owned by John Malone.

In addition, Bay Valve Service and Engineering, 3948 Teal Court, has new owners, BVSE Holdings.

The Benicia Herald’s weekly Benicia Business Beat column is an opportunity for local businesses and companies to tell our readers about such news as moves, grand openings, awards, promotion of employees, staff changes and changes in goods and services.

Submissions need to answer the questions who, what, when, where, why and how, preferably in the body of an email, and provide contact information.

Email news releases and accompanying high-resolution photographs and logos to beniciaherald@gmail.com, and put “Attn. Business Beat” in the subject line, as well as the name of the business.

— Donna Beth Weilenman