About
Founded in 2009, Manchester Running Company is proud to be Manchester, Connecticut’s marquee running club and event management firm. Owned and operated by Patrick Byrne and Tyler Driscoll, both Manchester residents, MRC is home to your community of runners and walkers. MRC hosts numerous events throughout the year and sponsors a rapidly growing running club. Our full-service coaching offers individualized running plans for beginners to elite runners. We host several training groups which are open to all levels and ages. In addition to these great services, MRC also sells gear and shoes from select brands and offers great discounts to club members.
Manchester has long been the hub of running in the state, annually hosting the CIAC State High School Cross Country Class Championships, State Open Championships, and has hosted the New England Championships several times as well. In addition to the tradition of hosting numerous High School Cross Country Championships, the town draws national attention each year with the Manchester Road Race run on Thanksgiving Day and drawing over 12,000 13,000 participants.
Manchester is home to some great trails and parks to run in such as Wickham Park, the Rail Trail, Case Mountain, Howard/Porter Reservoir, and many excellent road routes; we tell you about some of these routes in our Where We Run section. With Manchester Running Company in town, perhaps Manchester is complete!
The Owners
Patrick Byrne is a Manchester resident and avid runner for the last 15 years. Byrne graduated from Manchester High School, under legendary head coach Mike Bendzinski, before going on to earn his degree in Sport Management from Springfield College; Patrick is currently the assistant coach for Men’s Cross Country at his Alma Mater.
Byrne’s running career has been an interesting one to say the least; most known among friends for one major incident in the spring of 2001 when he shattered both of his elbows during the steeplechase. Determined to not let a simple injury like that get in the way, Byrne continued to pursue the steeplechase and has since successfully completed the grueling event. Byrne is the Manchester High School record-holder in the 1600 meter race walk. Patrick has competed in countless road races including 16 straight Manchester Road Races, the Manchester (N.H.) City Marathon, the grueling Pikes Peak Marathon, and most recently the 2009 Marine Corps Marathon in Washington D.C.
Byrne brings a background in Athletic Marketing & Communications to Manchester Running Company.
Tyler Driscoll brings over 15 years of running and coaching experience to Manchester Running Company. A native and current resident of Manchester, Driscoll is an assistant track & field coach at Manchester High School, specializing in the mid-distance events.
Driscoll graduated from Manchester High School where he was a two-year varsity member of the boys cross country team which qualified for the New England Championships under coach Mike Bendzinski. Driscoll was also a state open qualifier in the 800 and a pivotal part of several 4 x 800 meter squads. Tyler went on to graduate with a Political Science and Non-Profit Management degree from the University of Connecticut and is currently a Project Coordinator for Public Allies.
When and where are you openning the Manchester store?
Hi Andrea,
We are planning on opening on Main St. in Manchester sometime in the near future. We aren’t ready to announce an official opening just yet but hopefully soon!!! We will keep you posted, thank you for your support and interest!
Will you be hiring any employees?
Can’t wait. I am looking forward to staying local to purchase my shoes. The other store in West Hartford is great but I I love the idea of something closer to home!
Dear Patrick & Tyler:
I am a new runner and over this past weekend I started training for the 2009 Chicago Marathon. I preparation for the big marathon I’m running in the 1/2 Rock’n & Roll marathon held in Chicago in the month of September.
My local running store (The Running Depot, Crystal Lake, IL) fitted me and presented 3 different brands, please note, I am not a knowledgeable big brand person. So when in the next couple of statements to follow you must understand that I mean what I say.
The fit I chose was the Saucony Omni 8, and by far was the BEST for my feet. My left leg calf bond is somewhat deformed and the arch has falling along with ankles that rotate in. Oh and I shall add I am a Grandmother close to 50 who works out at my local Health Club year round. Body Pump a New Zealand routine that includes Rock’n Roll music and weights, is my favorite. But now want more of a challenge…. so a running I shall DO.
I am so excited to start training in my new shoes.
You have my vote and I will recommend your shoes to any one that requests my opinion.
Keep doing what YOU do and I’ll keep running,
Take care,
April E Westbrook
Crystal Lake, IL
Hi MRC, I’m really confused. Most of these articles and comments make it seem like there is a physical store that I can go to for shoes and shoe advice. But where is this store??? Is it just a hypothetical future store? I can’t find an address anywhere. Is there a contact number or email for questions?
In need of new running shoes,
Jamie
Hi Jamie,
We’re an actual store, just an actual online store — for now! We also do several events including a track series this summer and sponsor a triathlon series as well… feel free to contact us with questions at manchesterrunningcompany@gmail.com
Thanks!
MRC
Hi MRC- I’m new to the area and am looking for a place to get fitted for running shoes. I’ve been running in the same pair for years (not the exact same pair – I keep buying the same ones every few months) and want to see what else would be good for me. Will there be an MRC physical store? Do you have any recommendations on where to go to get fitted properly?
Run on!!
Jane
Hi Jane!
There will be a physical store! In the near future, we don’t want to give away too much, but it is coming… In the mean time, as much as it may pain me to say it, the people at FleetFeet in West Hartford know what they are doing as far as fitting goes, and they are very nice. There are also a few other places in the area such as the Run In in Rocky Hill and Fast Feet in West Springfield, those would be my suggestions as far as getting fitted and being able to try on a number of different shoes. Or, you could always find us at one of our events and we’d be happy to do a quick evaluation on your foot strike and provide a recommendation, but we usually don’t have all the shoes we offer on us.
As a whole, we recommend Brooks, they offer a lot of different styles and fits, and are very comfortable.
It’s nice to have a running club/company so close to home. I look forward to your events in the near future. I am anticipating the short drive to Mancester instead of West Hartford!!
How do I sign up for the running club? You mention what the fees are and what comes with membership which convinced me to join but there is no info on how to.
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