If you Google almost any health–related claim, chances are you will find some illegitimate scientific study to back it up. After all, it’s 2016 and there are still people that are adamant that you shouldn’t vaccinate your children. In 2007, Philadelphia runner Eric Fiedler discovered a study conducted by Dr. Manuel Castillo at the University of Granada, Spain, that claimed: “At least in healthy, young adults, beer in moderate amounts is as effective as water for rehydration and recovery after exercise.” While running in the Fishtown neighborhood of Philadelphia, Fiedler and a friend decided to test Dr. Castillo’s study by stopping for beers at the end of the run. The Fishtown Beer Runners club was consequently born.
The Fishtown Beer Runners meet once a week for a three–to–five–mile run that ends at a pub or bar. Their goal is “to combine responsible running and consumption.” You know, in the name of science.
Since most of us can’t even locate Fishtown on a map, we’ve created a list of trial runs for every type of runner so that you can test this theory right here in University City. Each run begins at the Tampons and ends at a bar with great happy hour offerings. Distance is calculated for a one–way run; we can’t attest for the quality of your run AFTER you’ve had a few beers, but the truly ambitious will skip the Uber and run home.
For the person whose idea of a workout is walking to Honest Tom’s:
Local 44 Beer Bar
0.58 Miles
4333 Spruce St.
Happy hour: Monday–Friday, 5–7 p.m.
If you’ve ever made the hungover trek to Honest Tom’s, you’ve probably passed by Local 44. Located on the corner of 44th and Spruce Streets, this small beer joint boasts 20 rotating craft beers on tap. Happy hour is offered every week day and includes $3 draft beers as well as food specials. I recommend making your quick jog to Local 44 on a Monday from 6–8 p.m. to take part in their complimentary beer tastings from a featured local brewery.
For the casual runner:
Graffiti Bar
2.1 Miles
124 S 13th St, Philadelphia, PA 19107
Happy hour: Monday–Friday 4–7 p.m.
This unique outdoor spot located behind Sampan in the heart of Gayborhood is just far enough off campus to burn off your beer (2 miles of running ~ 200 calories). Daily happy hour specials are not limited to beer but also include sake, wine, $4 specialty cocktails and contemporary Asian bites. The custom art displays from three Philadelphia spray paint artists combined with Sampan’s acclaimed food may be just enough to convince you to become a regular runner (and happy hour attendee).
For the Copa regular:
Lucha Cartel
3.11 Miles
207 Chestnut Street
Happy hour: Monday–Friday, 4–7 p.m.
For those runners who would rather refuel with a margarita, Lucha Cartel is like the hotter sister you didn’t know Copa had. The eccentric cantina offers half off draft beers as well as $5 margaritas and sangria every weekday. Fair warning: I once ran into my Spanish 130 professor when I was three margaritas deep at Lucha. She kept asking me questions in rapid fire Spanish. ?Mas tequila por favor?
For the ((half) half) half marathoner:
Frankford Hall
4.64 Miles
1210 Frankford Ave
Happy hour: Tuesday–Friday, 5–7 p.m.
For those that are serious about getting in a workout and testing the beer rehydration theory, take it back to where the beer runners movement first began: Fishtown. Frankford Hall is a gorgeous German–style beer garden owned by Stephen Starr. Tuesday–Friday, make the scenic run to Fishtown and rehydrate with $5 half liters or $10 liters.
If you enjoy these routes, you can become a member of the Fishtown Beer Runners. The group meets every Thursday at 7 p.m. at 2436 East Susquehanna Ave in Fishtown. As for myself, I think I will stick to Ubering from the Radian to Copa for my alcohol fix.
