Sean McManus discusses what makes the Valley a great running community and his top picks for running in Phoenix.

For many years, a career in the running industry took Sean McManus away from Arizona. McManus worked in brand and sales management for Altra Running and in running retail management, with stints in Oregon, Colorado, and Virginia.

Returning to Arizona in 2023 brought his career full circle, rejoining the Sole Sports Running Zone team as the general manager of its now five locations.

Founded in 2007, Sole Sports has become the go-to running specialty store in the Phoenix area. It hosts a myriad of community events each year and has a dedicated staff, including a few team members who have been with the company for more than a decade.

McManus says it’s the running community that keeps him engaged and inspired as a runner, acknowledging that there aren’t many other ways to find a sense of belonging as an adult. From the vast number of local running groups to one-of-a-kind races, Phoenix meets and exceeds all expectations for what a running community can be.

Below, McManus shares his favorite locations for running in Phoenix and beyond, a local race series every trail runner should check out, and his top spots for grabbing a post-run coffee or beer with friends.

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What’s your favorite aspect of running in Phoenix?

The best part of running in Phoenix is the community. We have so many incredible running clubs: Aravaipa, DTPHX, RIOT AZ, Valley Runners, Wild Women Running, Black Men Run, Latinas Run, Native Women Running, Frontrunners. The list goes on forever, and all groups are so very inclusive of each other and new members. We typically host three or four “all clubs runs” every year to bring the entire community together and it is something really special.

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Where is your favorite running route in Phoenix?

My favorite running route is the Tempe Town Lake loop. What I love most about it is the number of different routes you can take, all while staying within 2-3 miles of your car. With four bridges, access to trails and the Scottsdale Greenbelt, there are more than 20 miles of running routes right in the heart of the city.

I recommend parking on the north side of the lake at the Town Lake Marina (550 East Tempe Town Lake, Tempe). This gives you direct access to the Tempe Town Lake loop, Papago Park trails, and the Scottsdale Greenbelt which extends more than 10 miles north into Scottsdale. While you can’t swim in the lake, there are always great sights to see when running: boating, rowing, paddleboarding, kayaking.

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What’s your favorite race in the Phoenix area?

Since I can’t name just one, I will say the Insomniac Night Trail Run Series by Aravaipa is the most fun race series in the Valley. Aravaipa puts on the best trail runs, and to be able to run at night through the desert is a really unique and exhilarating experience. Not only is it a reprieve from the summer heat, but the race is set up for all abilities and distances. They also incorporate great start/finish areas for spectators and runners to mingle, grab a beer, camp out, socialize … everything you want!

(Learn more about Aravaipa’s races and other Phoenix-area destination races in the Phoenix Race Guide.)

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What are your go-to spots for a post-run beverage or meal?

For coffee, Inner Circle Cafe in Scottsdale (2515 North Scottsdale Road, Scottsdale) or Sip Coffee & Beer in Old Town Scottsdale (3617 North Goldwater Boulevard, Scottsdale) are two great spots to sit and chat with your running buddies.

For beer, if you’re in Tempe, you have to visit Hundred Mile Brewing along Tempe Town Lake (690 North Scottsdale Road, Tempe). In Scottsdale, I would recommend Goldwater Brewing (3608 North Scottsdale Road, Scottsdale). Lastly, if you’re running along the Arizona Canal Trail in Scottsdale or Phoenix, O.H.S.O. Brewery is a great patio spot to catch up with friends (4900 East Indian School Road, Phoenix).

(Find more places to run, group runs, and places to grab a post-run bite to eat in the Phoenix City Guide.)

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Which cities, outside of Phoenix, are your favorite to visit and run?

San Diego, Chicago, and New York City are my three favorite cities to run in outside of Phoenix. When I travel, I love being in the middle of the city — sights, sounds, people all around me — and all three of these cities have a vibrant running scene.

In San Diego, Waterfront Park and Balboa Park are my favorites (you can’t beat the bike path heading out to Pacific Beach, either). In Chicago, the Riverwalk and Lake Shore Drive are jam-packed with runners and adults living their best lives. Lastly, New York’s Central Park and Empire State Trail along the Hudson River provide the best scenic tours of the city.

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Do you have a favorite destination race outside of Phoenix?

While I would love to say the Boston, New York, or Chicago marathons, I’ve never been able to run those races, so I’d have to default to BOLDERBoulder! This is by far the world’s most fun 10K, with trampolines, slip-n-slides, shots of Fireball, donut-eating contests, and so much more lining the entire course. Best of all, you finish inside Folsom Field (home of the Colorado Buffaloes) and then get to watch the professional race on the jumbotron which starts after the pedestrian race.

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What running gear are you currently obsessing over?

I just recently switched over to COROS watches, and it has been an incredible experience! I have been a Garmin user for 15 years, but was really intrigued by how affordable and long-lasting the COROS watches seem to be. The increased battery life plus the price point really drew me to the watch, and it has all the same running, cycling, triathlon, and performance features of the Garmin.

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