Philadelphia Beer Runners stake claim as coolest running group
If I lived in Philadelphia, there’s no doubt who I would want to run and drink with.
The Fishtown Beer Runners formed in 2007 to scientifically test Professor Manuel Garzon’s study stating beer tops water for post-exercise hydration. The group’s real-world findings supported lab results.
“We found that beer was indeed the perfect replenishing substance after a long run,” said co-founder and co-president David April. “We combine responsible running with responsible drinking in the interest of science.”
Today the group gathers weekly to run 3-5 miles, have a beer or two, and recruit everyone from runners off the street to best-selling authors to join them.
The Beer Runner: How famous is your group getting in Philadelphia?
David April: Four people participated in our first run, now between 20-40 people show up each week. About 150 people have participated in a beer run at some point. Recruitment has been bolstered by several newspaper articles, running and beer blogs, internet postings, and word of mouth. The Philadelphia Weekly did a significant article and video about the club. The Philadelphia Brewing Company also champions our cause. We are constantly recruiting while running or at our pub. I’ve been known to invite lone runners off the street.
BR: What’s been some of your most memorable group runs?
DA: It is always a joy to have little kids run with us for a block or two or to see a bar owner’s eyes light up as 30 hot and thirsty runners come in on a slow night. We’ve been dubbed as an “instant stimulus package.” We have run in 10 degrees, snow, ice, torrential rain, and 95 degrees. We always draw attention during our annual Halloween run. We did a Christmas lights tour of South Philly with the South Philly Striders Running Club, and afterward 70 of us piled into For Pete’s Sake Tavern for some holiday cheer. The Memphis Tap Room hosted us with a large birthday cake and named a few entrees in our honor for our first anniversary, and the Standard Tap provided an incredible spread and festive atmosphere for our second anniversary. Another memorable event was running to an art galley to support one of our artist runners. Perhaps our most memorable run was the run clinic with “Born to Run” author Chris McDougall.
BR: How did Chris McDougall end up joining your group?
David (left) with Born to Run author Chris McDougall
DA: He contacted me out of the blue the same day I read an article about him and his book “Born to Run” in the Philadelphia Inquirer. He had read about the Fishtown Beer Runners and wanted to join us for a run. Chris had to cancel the first date we arranged because John Stewart called and wanted him on The Daily Show. In September we teamed up with Head House Books and Chris did a Barefooted Run Clinic followed by a talk and book signing. Afterward we gathered at Bridget Foy’s for beer and food. Now several of the beer runners have embraced barefoot running, and Chris contacts me periodically when in Philly to arrange a run with us. Chris commented that the Fishtown Beer Runners was the “Coolest running club he had ever seen.”
BR: What kind of beer do your group members normally drink?
DA: Drinking a beer after a long run is simply amazing as your palette is overwhelmed by flavor. We’re not beer snobs, but we do believe that craft beer works better for rehydrating yourself after a long run. Locally brewed craft beer works even better! Personally, I enjoy drinking a cold Kenzinger made locally at the Philadelphia Brewing Company. Others like to sample brews from the other area craft breweries or imports. Although Johanna drinks Miller just to piss me off! Often times our socializing will turn into an impromptu beer tasting as members are eager to try and share beers with each other. Luckily for us, Philadelphia is a real beer city boasting hundreds of unique and interesting bars, taverns and restaurants.
BR: Do you have members who are known as the biggest beer drinker or fastest runner, and if so, who gets the most respect for their talents?
The Fishtown Beer Runners
DA: We encourage runners of all abilities to join us. We have several actual runners in the group, but we’ve all increased our running and drinking abilities during the past two years! The great thing about our group is seeing new runners and marathoners interact over a beer. Many have commented that FBR was the impetus to run for the first time, or that it challenged them get back into running or that it motivated them to set and reach new goals. Our fastest runner is Pete Roland who finished the 2009 Broad Street Run in 618th place out of 23,244 finishers! Mike Xander and Samantha Bogin, two of our first members, started running for the first time in December 2007 and completed the Broad Street Run held the following May. Holly Schweitzer and Mallory Fay qualified for the Boston Marathon. After a run, our esteemed co-founder and co-president Eric Fiedler made it back to the bar with a broken knee cap to toast the professor.
BR: If someone is interested in joining the Fishtown Beer Runners, how would they go about doing that?
DA: Just show up at 2346 E. Susquehanna Ave in beautiful Fishtown. We leave at 7PM sharp every Thursday evening, rain or shine! There are no membership dues, fees, or by-laws. Just come and run.
“Since joining the group in May 2009, my time spent in Philadelphia has vastly improved. I feel connected and involved in the city and because of my time with the Fishtown Beer Runners; I have pursued and completed my first marathon and learned quite a few life lessons from my older peers. I have enjoyed every night on Thursdays and any time I spend with the runners.” - Dave Maver, Philadelphia
BR: What are your group goals for this year?
DA: In 2010 the Fishtown Beer Runners will continue to test the results of the Professor’s scientific research. Beyond this important work, ongoing goals are:
· to encourage people of all abilities to exercise by running (or walking)
· to provide friendly camaraderie for all who hate to exercise
· to promote the responsible enjoyment of QUALITY beer
· to support local tavern owners and breweries
· to continue to organize and manage two annual 5k races for the River City Festival and the Shad Fest.
· to participate in the Broad Street Run, Philadelphia Marathon, and 5K’s around the area.
· to receive national press coverage.
· To organize a group trip to visit The Professor in Granada, Spain.
· to promote a ban on spandex (read: ban men wearing spandex leggings without shorts)
· to develop a secret handshake
BR: Any parting words of wisdom?
DA: Beer running combines two seemingly mutually exclusive activities. Mixing the two brings out the strengths of each. To those who don’t run: If you like beer, you are halfway to becoming a Beer Runner. You can do it one step, one block, one beer at a time. To serious runners: You need to get out and be with other people! There are six other days you can run alone and train. To Beer Geeks and Snobs: Get off your can, get some exercise and go meet some people. To All: Raise your glass and toast “To the professor!”
