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Club Spotlight: Phoenix Rising Run Club

Tell us about your club!
Phoenix Rising Run Club was founded in February of 2025 by Jonathan Quinonez with the mission of building a supportive and uplifting community through running. Inspired by the resilience symbolized by the phoenix, our club believes in rising from challenges, fostering spiritual growth, and encouraging mental and physical wellness. We are passionate about glorifying God through movement, supporting one another, and celebrating each runner’s personal journey.

Who is your club open to?
We welcome runners and walkers of all ages, backgrounds, and fitness levels. Whether you’re an experienced marathoner, a casual jogger, or taking your first steps on a running journey, you’ll find encouragement and support. We are an inclusive club where every pace has a place, and all genders are welcome. We are working on incorporating road, track and trail running/walking into our weekly rotations as we grow. While some members are competitive racers, many join simply for the joy of running and being part of a positive community.

When and where do you typically meet to run?
We gather multiple times a week for different types of runs:

  • Therapy Thursdays: Track or speed workouts designed for all levels, with walkers and runners alike 6:30PM. We join forces with the Adult Sentinel Striders out of Smithfield High School where we run track workouts, road running, trail running all while including our walkers and beginners.
  • Soulfire Saturdays: A community run starting at 8:30 AM, typically 3-5 miles, followed by coffee, brunch, fellowship and encouraging conversations.
  • Long Run Sundays: For those looking to build endurance, usually covering longer distances. 9AM We also collaborate with Marathon Sports store at PVD Mall to foster a united community.
  • Therapy Thursdays: Track or speed workouts designed for all levels, with walkers and runners alike 6:30PM. We join forces with the Adult Sentinel Striders out of Smithfield High School where we run track workouts, road running, trail running all while including our walkers and beginners.
  • Soulfire Saturdays: A community run starting at 8:30 AM, typically 3-5 miles, followed by coffee, brunch, fellowship and encouraging conversations.
  • Long Run Sundays: For those looking to build endurance, usually covering longer distances. 9AM We also collaborate with Marathon Sports store at PVD Mall to foster a united community.

Additional Collaborations:

  • Wellness Wednesdays: We collaborate with gyms like Ocean State CrossFit and Mindfit to bring wellness into a free workout session for the community. 6:30PM at Iron Clad Fitness Center in Cranston, RI.
  • Mondays: We team up with Maurice Lowman’s Panda Crew on Monday nights at Marathon Sports store 6PM at PVD Mall.
  • Wellness Wednesdays: We collaborate with gyms like Ocean State CrossFit and Mindfit to bring wellness into a free workout session for the community. 6:30PM at Iron Clad Fitness Center in Cranston, RI.
  • Mondays: We team up with Maurice Lowman’s Panda Crew on Monday nights at Marathon Sports store 6PM at PVD Mall.

Each run begins with a short prayer or reflection, focusing on gratitude, strength, and purpose

Do you host any other non-running events?
Absolutely! We believe community goes beyond running. We often gather for post-run coffee, brunch, or smoothies. Our club takes part in Wellness Wednesday and Move To Heal, where we collaborate with gyms, also hosts special events like yoga sessions, volunteer opportunities, and social outings. We value celebrating milestones together, including birthdays, race accomplishments, and other personal victories.

Aside from the Grand Prix, are there any other races that your club attends/competes in as a team?
In addition to the Grand Prix, we participate in local, regional & international races like the Run Rhody races, Rhode Master Series, various 5Ks, Armed Forces Series Challenge, and World Abbott Majors. Many members also take on national and international races and marathons. Some of our members even do triathlons! We believe every race is an opportunity to represent Phoenix Rising and support our teammates on and off the course.

Does your club offer any coaching or assistance with training plan development? 
While we don’t have a formal coach, experienced runners in our club offer informal guidance and support. Members often collaborate on training plans, online coaching and apps, share advice, and provide accountability. If anyone is looking for a formal coach we have a list of coaches we can refer our members to in order to strive and accomplish their goals. Whether you’re preparing for a 5K or a marathon, you’ll find a community of people ready to cheer you on.

Does your club support any philanthropic efforts?
Yes! Phoenix Rising Run Club is deeply committed to giving back. Our club supports causes related to mental health, veteran care, cancer awareness, and community outreach. We’ve participated in charity runs and fundraising initiatives, including personal causes close to our members’ hearts. We are serious about building up our community from the local level to internationally. Every step we take is a chance to make a positive impact.

Is there anything else you’d like to share about your club?
At Phoenix Rising, our focus is on creating a supportive network where every stride reflects individual progress. We prioritize genuine growth, resilience, and acknowledging the unique journey of each runner. With a foundation built on faith, fitness, mental health and community, we welcome anyone ready to challenge themselves, be transformed and evolve with us.

If someone is interested in joining your club, what is the best way to reach you?
You can reach us through:

Rise in Faith, Run With Purpose!