Running for Brews, a new running organization in Auburn, encourages participants to down a cold beer with new friends after running a 5K each week. Quixote's hosts the organization each week, offering $1 beer specials to participants.
Running for Brews was founded in Dunedin, Fla. in 2010 by co-founders Kevin Bupp and John McMahan. Since then, they have added four locations in Florida, as well as locations in Chattanooga, Tenn. and Boulder, Colo. Auburn marks Running for Brews' first location in Alabama.
"We wanted to create an experience for runners that was unique, fun and fulfilling," Bupp said.
For McMahan, it's about meeting new people and networking.
"Week in and week out, we have met thousands of individuals who have our same interests in mind," McMahan said.
Running for Brews' vision is to grow a nationwide group of social running clubs that will benefit communities everywhere.
"Running for Brews connects with local communities and charities to bring people together," Bupp said.
Adam Pugh, manager of Big Dog Running Company in Auburn, said Running for Brews scouted Auburn for people willing to help get the program on the ground and running.
Lesley Benning, employee at HealthPlus Fitness Center, was approached in a similar manner.
"I thought it sounded pretty cool and it would force me to get out on a Saturday night," Benning said.
Benning agreed to lead the Auburn location for Running for Brews. She said 30 people signed in for the inaugural Running for Brews run and they ran a distance of 3.4 miles, just more than a 5K.
"We're going to try and change up the route each week, or every couple weeks," Benning said. "We'll try to go through 3-4 different routes on a loop."
Running for Brews offers a friendly atmosphere for a variety of athletic ability. Some people treated the 5K as a race, while others chose to walk and just complete the event.
"Drinking and running are two of my passions," said Philip Smith, Auburn alumni. "I like that there is something new and different coming to Auburn."
Smith said he found out about Running for Brews through his friends on Facebook. Others saw Quixote's advertising the run and decided to participate.
"I'm a frequent flyer at Quixote's and so when I found out they were having a 5K I decided to run it," said Blake Burgess, senior in theater. "I just got done playing football for Auburn and I was looking for a way to stay healthy and get active."
Burgess finished the run in first, rewarding himself with a cold beer to rehydrate.
"I feel fantastic," Burgess said. "I ran around Auburn, got to meet a couple I didn't know and it was a lot of fun."
Benning said that she hoped Running for Brews would turn into something big during the summer and engage participants of all ages, not just college students.
"We're going to try and have some fun nights like costumes nights," Benning said. "Or, maybe mini-marathons where we sprint from Quixote's to Toomer's and then snag some beers; fun things like that."
Charitable races are also an integral part of Running for Brews as a way to add a level of purpose to the runs in addition to promoting a healthy lifestyle.
"I like that about it," Smith said. "I know that they're trying to get communities together to have a good time, run a little bit and also drink some good beers for good causes."
Whether running or walking, Running for Brews is aiming to build healthy lifestyles.
"The brews are just a bonus to building new relationships and creating a unique community of runners and walkers," McMahan said.
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