What is Old Port Pub Run?

Old Port Pub Run is a weekly group run. Our 3, 4, and 5 mile loops all run through the Old Port and on the Eastern Prom Trail, so there are some pretty fantastic views of the waterfront and Casco Bay. After the run, everyone meets back at Liquid Riot. They truly treat us like family there and have a constantly rotating selection of delicious drinks!

OPPR Home-Base: Liquid Riot located on Portland, Maine's Working Waterfront

What inspired you to create OPPR?

I started OPPR when I first moved to Portland in 2014 mostly because I wanted to meet people and make friends! I had seen tons of runners out on Back Cove Loop and had even checked out classes at some of the gyms and studios, but I realized that it was still challenging to actually strike up a conversation and get to know anyone in those situations. I decided that creating a pub run group would be better for meeting people because there’s time to socialize after exercising. Looking back, I’m amazed at how many people I have met because of OPPR and feel really lucky that I am now in a position to help connect people to one another.

What is one challenge and one lesson you’ve learned from your experience as OPPR founder?

One of my first challenges was trying to figure out how to let people know about running with us, especially when I didn’t know a lot of people! I ended up starting a Facebook page for the group and over time, I have learned a lot about marketing on social media. I actually ended up taking online classes and making a career switch because of that! I suppose the biggest lesson in all of it has been to keep following my passion!

What are your top 2 favorite OPPR memories?

One of my favorite memories is how awestruck I felt when our group raised nearly $700 to donate to Girls on the Run Maine this past December. I was just overwhelmed at all of the kindness, both from the companies that donated raffle prizes and from the people in our group who gave so much to such a great cause. A second favorite memory is from our recent karaoke pub run at Flask Lounge. It was SO fun to do something a little different and to see us taking over the mics and the dance floor in our running clothes!

What is your favorite inspirational/motivational quote?

I suppose it’s more of a mantra than a quote, but, simply, “Keep Moving Forward”. It’s a thought that has gotten me through some really tough times, and tough runs.