A little peer pressure can be a good thing when it comes to running and fitness. Rather than braving the trails alone, you can find plenty of sweat-filled comradery and community in Colorado Springs thanks to an abundance of running clubs.
And with summer afoot, running clubs are hitting their full stride in popularity. Here are the ones you should look out for to get a jog in and meet some new people!
Social Running Clubs
1. Jack Quinn’s Running Club
Probably the most popular run club in town, Jack Quinn’s just hit its 20-year mark. This running club works on a check in system where runners can check in on Tuesdays between 5:15 p.m. and 7 p.m. to start earning points towards a Jack Quinn’s Run Club shirt. The loop follows a 5K that dips through downtown, Monument Valley Park and Colorado College. It welcomes all skill levels, with food and drink specials back at Jack Quinn’s Irish Pub & Restaurant afterward.
The Route: A 5K walk, jog or run thru downtown.
Where: Jack Quinn’s Irish Pub & Restaurant, 21 S. Tejon St.
When: Tuesdays, check in 5:15-7 p.m., year-round
2. Cooldown Running at Red Leg Brewing
Cooldown is the name of the run club that meets on Wednesdays at Red Leg Brewing, and it brings a more casual vibe. The group leaves in one large mass at 6:30 p.m. for a 1- to 4-mile loop that can include Garden of the Gods. There are many skill levels at this run club, and there will always be someone doing less, and in some cases, more miles. The Cooldown coordinators do a good job of providing incentives to come back, like free beer, free bites for special occasions and raffle prizes.
The Route: 1-4 mile run or walk
Where: Red Leg Brewing Company, 2323 Garden of the Gods Rd.
When: Wednesdays, 6:30 p.m.
3. Aravaipa Group Run at Fossil Brewing
Fossil Craft Beer’s Monday run club is organized by Aravaipa, a running organization based originally in Arizona. The group at Fossil is a mix of all skill and age levels, with some extra incentives to keep things fun. In addition to the classic T-shirt system, Aravaipa holds raffles every month and sometimes has massage therapists present. The skill groups are split up into 2-mile, 4-mile and 6-mile groups. The group starts from Fossil Brewing at 5:30 p.m. and runs through Red Rock Canyon Open Space. Get your beer at a discount afterward.
The Route: Choose 2-mile, 4-mile and 6-mile routes in Red Rock Canyon Open Space
Where: Fossil Craft Beer, 2845 Ore Mill Rd., Suite 1
When: Mondays at 5:30 p.m., year round
4. Cerberus and Urban Animal Run Club
This unique run club is a joint effort between Urban Animal Brewing downtown and Cerberus Brewing Company. Runners can start at either location and follow a Strava loop that goes by the second location. Both breweries give discounted drafts for runners who stop by. Join the group for the 3-mile loop at 5 p.m. on Wednesdays. Track your progress in the Strava group.
The Route: a steady 3-mile loop
Where: Between Cerberus and Urban Animal Downtown breweries. Start at either: 702 W. Colorado Ave. or 521 S. Tejon St.
When: 5 p.m. on Wednesdays
5. Buds and Brews
This weekly running club is actually at a running store, starting from The Colorado Running Company in University Shopping Center. Every Wednesday at 5:45 p.m., runners gather for a 3- to 6-mile jog. There is beer available after, as well as chips and salsa. On occasion, there are shoe vendors in the store showcasing demo shoes for people to check out.
The Route: 3-6 miles on trails near the store, including the Pikes Peak Greenway and Austin Bluffs Open Space
Where: The Colorado Running Company, 5262 N Nevada Ave., Ste. 140
When: Wednesdays, 5:45 p.m., year round
6. Trailblazers Colorado Springs
Located at the former Trail’s End Taproom, Trailblazers Colorado Springs continues its running club with a focus on trails, and it includes hikers and bikers as well. Trailblazers happens at two locations with this Old Colorado City edition on Wednesdays. Sign in between 3 p.m. and 8:30 p.m. and earn points toward free club shirts. You can run on your own, but if you want to join organized groups, be ready to leave on the east side of the taproom at 6 p.m. sharp. Enjoy food and drink specials back at the taproom afterward.
The Route: Loops through Red Rock Canyon Open Space
Where: Stage Stop Cantina / Choojai Sushi, Thai & Ramen, 2925 W. Colorado Ave. (the former Trail’s End Taproom)
When: Wednesdays, 3-8:30 p.m., April through October
7. Trailblazers Monument
This is the Tuesday Trailblazers running club that meets in Monument on Tuesdays. Like its OCC location, sign in and go 3 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. or be there at 5:50 p.m. to meet up to go out in groups. It’s a friendly vibe for runners, hikers and bikers.
The Route: Trails in Monument and around the Mount Herman Trailhead
Where: Meet at the former Trail’s End Tavern, 252 Front St., Monument
When: April through October
8. Achilles International Pikes Peak
Disabled and able-bodied athletes train together in this encouraging and inspirational community. Some run; some cycle. All are welcome, including kids. Follow the Facebook page for other events.
The Route: Trails around The Colorado Running Company.
Where: Meet at Colorado Running Company, University Village Center, 5262 N. Nevada Ave.
When: Mondays at 5:30 p.m.
achillesinternational.org/pikes-peak
Running Clubs for Training
9. Garden of the Gods Social Runners
This group meets Tuesday and Thursday mornings in Garden of the Gods. Runs start at 6 a.m. usually, but 6:30 a.m. through the winter. There is a variety of skill levels and styles: running, walking, hiking, road and trail lovers. Group runs last an hour; then many runners do coffee or breakfast afterward. To Join you must show up for a run and introduce yourself before you are added to the private Facebook group.
The Route: Trails are the preference, but the route varies each time. From April to June the garden runners meet up with Pikes Peak Road Runners (PPRR) for a 10-week training for those signed up for the Garden of the Gods 10K/10 miler.
Where: Meet in Garden of the Gods, Juniper Way parking lot
When: Tuesdays and Thursdays, 6 a.m. April to Labor Day, 6:30 a.m. the rest of the year
11. Incline Club
For the hardcore trainers, the Incline Club meets every Sunday at 7 a.m. and typically runs between one and three hours. Most runs are out and back so runners can adjust how far they go. Catch additional speed-focused runs on Thursdays at 5:45 p.m.
The Route: one- to three-hour runs in and around Manitou Springs
Where: Meet at the Manitou High School Track
When: 7 a.m., Sundays, late November until the Pikes Peak Ascent and Marathon
11. Attack Pack
Join the Attack Pack for an hour run with a group pace around 8- to 10-minute miles. In April the group becomes the middle of the pack group for Garden of the Gods training runs. After the Garden 10s races, the group rotates monthly to different parks and locations. All runners are welcome. You get a shirt when the group deems you ready.
The Route: One hour trail runs
Where: Garden of the Gods April to June, various locations the rest of the year
When: Tuesdays and Thursdays at 6 a.m.
12. Pikes Peak Road Runners Sunrise Striders
This group of fast trail runners meets rain or shine, blizzard or drought for structured mostly-trail tempo runs, hill repeats and interval workouts. The workouts are designed for runners wanting to train better and get faster. The group partners with the PPRR Garden of the Gods and Summer Roundup training runs from April to July.
The Route: One-hour runs around the city
Where: Locations vary. Registered runners are notified with specific location, time and workout.
When: Tuesdays and Thursdays at 6 a.m.
But Wait! There’s More
From the Incline to the Mountain Post and Widefield to Palmer Lake, there are many more group runs and running clubs all around Colorado Springs. Check out this list on the Pikes Peak Road Runners website.
