Lexington has its fair share of great running clubs. There are John’s Striders, Todds Road Stumblers and LexRunLadies – to name just a few. But when a new one came on the scene this year, I was intrigued. West Sixth Brewery began hosting a running club. On Tuesday nights anywhere from 30 to 75 runners can be found, starting and ending at the popular new beer joint, running through downtown Lexington for a 1.5-mile or 3-mile route.
West Sixth bartender Kelly Hieronymus said the running club is just another way that the brewery and its owners are trying to get involved in the community.
“The main reason and purpose of the running club is a community event,” she said. “We want to create a mentality that West Sixth is a community hub and people can gather and do things around the product we market as something that is unique to Lexington.”
First, I wondered if people just went for free beer, but as it turns out, the beer is not free. Participants do get a free pretzel and water, though.
This got me thinking about the 5Ks and half marathons I have participated in over the years. There always is beer at the end of races, and to be honest, it kind of baffles me. After I have sweat it out for miles on the pavement and am ready to chug some liquids, water is usually what I reach for. Or a sports drink or chocolate milk. Yum. But beer? I’m not sure about that. Perhaps I will give it a try sometime. Don’t knock it ’til you try it, right?
Hieronymus said though she does not know the biochemistry behind beer after a run, she said most people can be found sipping it slowly and relaxing after they run with the club. This, I could do. Cool off, drink some water, grab some food, then hang out with friends around a fresh, locally crafted beer.
