A running club that meets at an Irish pub might sound odd, but in Colorado Springs it has become a weekly ritual for thousands.

JQRC President Brian McGuire 59, encourages runner safety

Jack Quinn’s Running Club (JQRC) began in 2006 with an idea from runner Ryan Shininger: create a bar-sponsored club like the one he belonged to in Florida. Bill and Donna Sasz, co-owners of Jack Quinn’s Irish Pub and Alehouse, 21 S. Tejon St., agreed to sponsor the group if Shininger helped organize and promote it. 

Nearly two decades later, more than 44,400 people have run with the group. Since January, more than 650 participants have checked in and 68 were first-timers. 

“The running club marks its 20th anniversary in June, and Jack Quinn’s has hosted it since day one," said Cooper Davidson, the pub’s general manager.

Runners check in at the pub every Tuesday from 5:15-7 p.m. According to Michael Yowell, the club’s vice president for public and media relations, the club has canceled less than five times in 19 years. 

MILES & MILESTONES

Despite the name, the group is not only for runners. Many participants walk the weekly 5K route downtown, and the club draws everyone from kids to seniors in their 80s. It’s also dog-friendly.

Yowell, 65, a retired Army colonel, first joined JQRC in 2010 after meeting a member while training for the Garden of the Gods 10-Miler. He said the club’s mission is “to bring people together in a noncompetitive environment to get people out, walk, crawl, stroll, get some fitness on and meet new people—all while you’re in your running clothes.”

Participation is free, with operational costs offset by community sponsors. Checking in counts toward a run and participants can sign in before, after or during their route. 

Michael Yowell shows off a kilt at last year's St. Paddy's Expo

After 10 runs, participants can become “shirted members” and have the option to purchase a shirt. At 50 runs, they earn a different shirt, and at 100, they enter the Century Runner Club. Yowell estimates 1,025 members have reached the century mark or beyond.

For many, the best part comes at the pub, where runners and walkers visit over happy hour specials and discounted pints of Bristol beers. 

“There’s a lot of people that you become accountable to—they’re your running buddies,” said Yowell. “A lot of times people who didn’t know a soul come to our meetings and walk away with lifelong friends.”

ST. PATRICK’S FIELD TRIP

With an Irish pub as its home base, JQRC has long supported local St. Patrick’s festivities, helping recruit runners and volunteers. This year’s St. Patrick’s Day 5K and Parade are set for Saturday, March 14. 

New runners and walkers are welcome to check out the group, but the St. Patrick's Day meetup on Tuesday, March 17 will be at Ivywild School.

“It’s a busy day for the pub, so we’ve decided to take a field trip to Bristol Brewing,” said Yowell. “Bring a headlamp!”

For more information, visit JackQuinnsRunners.com or call Jack Quinn’s Irish Pub at 719-385-0766.