Running and Brews a Perfect Combination for Some

There is no doubt that meeting at on Tuesday evenings serves a dual purpose for some.

Dressed in running gear, they gather in front of the bar and begin their weekly mingle. They chat about the day, the week ahead and the weekend.

But instead of grabbing a brew, they hit the pavement first.

At 6:30 p.m., the runners take to the streets of Westchase and run a 2 ½-mile, 3-mile, 5-mile or a 6-mile course. Everyone ends up at were they started: World of Beer.

“Running with a group is a way to keep you motivated,” said Justin Davis, who has been running with the group for about a month. “It’s also a fun social thing and makes exercise not as boring.”

The group dubbed "Tap It and Run It" has been meeting for about a year on Tuesdays evenings at WOB. They attact runners of all skill level and age. There’s even a couple who runs with their stroller and child. There can be as many as 50 runners on a given Tuesday. There is no charge to run.

“It’s not just a run, it’s a networking and social group,” said Nicole Saj, the marketing manager for WOB Westchase and Blend Lounge, the adjacent bar. “It’s continuing to grow and we are pleased to see our community exercising and enjoying themselves afterwards.”

Saj, who runs the course herself, is also pleased with the diversity in ages of the runners. She said Suncoast Running, a locally-owned and independent specialty running store, also helps to make the weekly run a success by donating free giveaway items like running gear.

World of Beer Westchase welcomes the running group with drink specials and free pasta provided by Grille 54.

On June 5, representatives from Saucony will be on hand to give runners an opportunity to give their shoes a free try.

The trend of combining social eateries and bars with running groups has gained traction in the Tampa Bay area. Groups meet at Four Green Fields and MacDinton's Irish Pub & Restaurant in South Tampa, and other WOB establishments. Kevin Bupp recently started Running for Brew, which promotes the marriage of running and established businesses.

“In my mind, they are very successful,” Bupp said of running groups. “We promote a healthy lifestyle and a social network, as well.”

Fred Rzymek, a long-time runner and event coordinator, started the Oldsmar Run Club nearly four years ago that now meets at 6 p.m. Wednesday at McAnderson’s House of Brews Tavern and Grille in Oldsmar.

“It’s great from a social aspect and from a business perspective,” said Rzymek, who will host some 1,000 runners for the Oldsmar 5k 7 p.m. June 8 at the House of Brews. “But I get gratification out of a lady being able to get out the house after being with the kids all day and being able to get a break. She is exercising, which always helps to clear the mind and she’s being able to socialize.”

As for the Tap It and Run It group out of World of Beer Westchase, they plan to continue to provide the weekly outing and are hoping to host their own 5k in the spring.

“It’s been a positive for everyone and really enjoy hosting the runners,” Saj said.

For more information about about the run group email nicole.saj@wobusa.com.