Two things have changed since Dennis Brinkworth fell in love with running a half-century ago.
He has spent most of those decades taking to the streets and trails of Western New York on his own.
Brinkworth, 62, also needs to pop some Advil these days before he sets out on the growing number of events that are part of Urban Run Series Buffalo, which he founded seven years ago.
“I’ve been running my whole life, mainly as a lone wolf,” Brinkworth said. “I’ve learned that running with others is really great.”
The 2024 Urban Run Series launched last weekend and will alternate two Saturday mornings each month throughout the year from Flying Bison Brewing Company in Larkinville and Cole’s on the Elmwood Strip.
The series started seven years ago at Flying Bison and continues to include 4- and 6-mile runs at 6 p.m. every Wednesday, along with a monthly 10 a.m. Saturday outing. Runners receive discounts on pints of beer after they return from points along the city waterfront, Larkinville and the Old First Ward.
Cole’s joined the Saturday circuit three years ago and offers food and drink specials after each 5-mile run through the Elmwood Village, Delaware Park and surrounding communities. Runs start there at 11 a.m.
“I want people to see more of the city,” said Brinkworth, senior marketing manager with Utica-based F.X. Matt, which owns Flying Bison.
So far, runs have been scheduled for Feb. 10, March 9, April 13, May 18 and June 8 at Flying Bison, 840 Seneca St.
Runs at Cole’s, 1104 Elmwood Ave., set out Saturday as well as Feb. 24, March 23, April 20, May 11 and June 15.
Most of the Saturday runs have themes. The Jan. 13 inaugural run was a Bills Rally Race and the first one in March will celebrate St. Patrick’s Day, for instance.
“We try to create a community where everyone is welcome,” Brinkworth said. “and it’s become quite a thing. Wednesday nights we consistently have 30 to 50 people,” including in winter.
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