North Shore Pub Run: Social Miles and Craft Beer

Looking for a mid‑week boost that blends fitness with friendly conversation and a post‑run pint? Meet the North Shore Pub Run, a Wednesday‑evening 5 K that steps off from Foxhole Craft Beer Shop & Kitchen and traces scenic routes along Lake Michigan and the Oak Leaf Trail. Founded by Denver transplant Ryan Croke, the club invites runners, walkers, stroller‑pushers, and ruck‑wearers alike to log a few low‑pressure miles, then linger over craft brews and elevated pub fare. In this Q&A, Ryan shares how the idea took shape, what newcomers can expect, and why building community around movement matters now more than ever.

What inspired you to launch the North Shore Pub Run?

I felt there was a gap for a run group in the North Shore that was in the evening and balanced running with socializing. I moved here from Denver and there are an endless number of pub runs whereas here they seem to be sparse. I couldn’t find the type of experience I was used to having and wanted to have so I just made it! 

Why did you choose Wednesday evenings and Foxhole Craft Beer Shop & Kitchen as home base?

Middle of the week at 6 seems like the sweet spot. Early week you’re head is in work, later in the week you’re thinking about plans and socializing. Just seems right. Foxhole offers both a good location and a great experience. I like the modern feel of the establishment and they have elevated pub food and a good selection of beers. The location allows for two obvious routes - one along Lake Shore Dr., and one onto the Oak Leaf trail. There are some other run meetups in Milwaukee that go through the Third Ward and other places and I don’t think you can get more than a ½ mile without having to stop. Foxhole is perfect. Also, the owners are very much trying to build community - third spaces for people - and I want to help build that as well. 

What does a typical Wednesday look like—from check-in to the post-run social hour?

Check in with me, hang out and stretch. There are announcements for the new folks. People need to register so they can be eligible for a t-shirt. 11 runs and they get a free t-shirt. Run starts around 6:15. Meet back up and it’s beers and food, pretty simple. There is a strong cohort of regulars that stay for at least a good hour. 

How do you map the weekly routes, and do they change throughout the season?

We have the two main ones mentioned above and will explore some new ones. Maybe get into Estabrook a bit more. In the end, I want to keep the recommended routes about 5k. People, of course, are welcome to do as little or as much as they want but the idea is this is the excuse to get a sweat and then not feel guilty about having a beer and meeting people. There are serious runners that get their miles in at lunch and show up for this for fun. That’s the goal, the fun part. 

For newcomers, what should they expect at their very first Pub Run?

Register, check out the routes, meet some people, and to feel welcome! We have all sorts, younger, older, serious runners, walkers, ruckers, parents with strollers. It’s a low pressure situation, we’re here to foster a positive running community. 

What is your personal favorite Milwaukee-area race—and why does it stand out?

I actually don’t have one yet, I only moved here about two years ago. But anyone on the lakefront is sure to be a blast. Last year the marathon that went over the Hoan bridge was a huge hit. I can’t wait to figure it out. 

What’s your go-to North Shore route (distance, scenery, time of day)?

I’m in Whitefish Bay so I am lucky to have nice road routes and easy access to Oak Leaf Trail. Long runs definitely I make my way over to Oak Leaf and head South. If I go south on Lake Shore Drive I love going down Beach Drive and challenging myself on the hill coming back up. Ideally would running in the early mornings but my daughter runs the show so whenever she lets me. 

Which North Shore running store do you rely on for gear and advice, and what makes it a standout?

I go to Performance Running Outfitters in Brookfield so I really don’t have one in the North Shore. I’ve been using the same shoes (NB 880s) for about 10 years so I don’t really need to shop a lot. But performance has always been really relaxed and helped me find what I need. 

Are there any hidden-gem routes (parks, lakefront stretches, or neighborhood loops) you wish more runners knew about?

Haha no - then they’ll get too busy!!! Honestly, I wish people would just run or walk more, wherever it is. I feel like Milwaukee has so much to offer and it gets underutilized. I will say WFB and Fox Point is really good for road running, better than I thought it would be. Really calm, can explore and not feel unsafe from cars. To be honest, out by Kettle Moraine there are some killer trail runs. Ice Age Trail is amazing. If I find time I try to get out there. 

What’s the biggest lesson you’ve learned about community building through running?

People are craving and demanding this, they are wanting more. Every week people thank me for doing this and are so excited. However, it’s still really tough to build momentum and for people to follow through, and I get it. But we’re here for the long haul. 

Anything else to add? 

Appreciate the opportunity to talk about it and get our name out there. In the end we want more places and spaces for people to meet and build community and to do it around a positive activity. For me, the run clubs I went to in Denver I met fantastic long term friends they turned into the activity I looked forward to the most in my week. I really want to try and achieve the same here.