MANAYUNK

By Noel Bartocci

There are few things more anxiety-inducing than joining a workout group for the first time. Running has an even more intense subculture that can feel impenetrable at times — or at least seem that way. A perception from the outside is that runners take their sport very seriously — intensely so. Any newbie wanting to try can understandably feel uncomfortable when seeking out a social start. Worries of, “What if I hold everyone up,” or, “What if all these runners make me feel so slow,” aren’t unreasonable concerns to cross one’s mind when starting out, so running alone feels like the only option. I speak from experience, having harbored these concerns myself. I still hesitate when I’m invited to run with others, as if by reflex.

Then there’s the Manayunk Beer Runners, a non-elite, social running club designed to have a good time for runners of every level. Whether you’re a marathoner or just starting out, the group is open and welcoming to all — and their dogs.

“It’s really important for us not to be an elite running club. We’re for all paces and physical types,” explained Dave Scarpello, founder of the Manayunk Beer Runners group, which he manages with fellow runner, Sandy Korenkiewicz.

It’s very important to both of them to keep running fun. That’s also where the beer comes in — and the science. Yes, this all starts with science.

You may be asking yourself, where does beer running come from? Professor Manuel J. Castillo-Garzon, M.D., at the University of Granada in Spain conducted a study regarding the nutritional benefits and hydrating capabilities of beer. Through his research he concluded that beer and water have similar re-hydration effects under the conditions of the study, which compared a moderate amount of beer to the same amount of water. The carbohydrates can also help replace lost calories, aiding in a quicker recovery. Simply put, you hydrate with beer just as quickly as with water.

Philadelphia has had a community of “beer runners” for some time now. Less than a year ago, Dave sought out a few of his runner friends to start a group in our community. After only six months, the Manayunk Beer Runners are nearly 500 strong.

Every Monday, Dave maps out two different run routes — one route is three to four miles and the other is five to six miles, both capitalizing on all the great running paths in Manayunk. Both runs begin in the same spot and, of course, end at a local pub or restaurant. Prior to the run, Dave will coordinate with the watering hole in order to make sure they can accommodate the group, to which they often respond with excitement and sometimes specials.

“I can imagine Mondays aren’t the busiest nights, so if I say we’re guaranteeing 20 people, they love it,” he explained, adding, “and we’re a good group. We lucked out with this group.”

Dave continued to express his gratitude and overall pride about the quality of people who’ve gravitated to the local Beer Runners chapter. He is both proud and beside himself, which is a level of humility far too rare.

So, how does someone start?

“Just show up. That’s it,” Dave said.

Dave’s humility and go-to attitude, especially when it comes to running, is rooted in the reality that in 2003, he was told that he may never be able to walk again. Through hard work, belief, and persistence, he found himself not only on his feet, but running. Then running more. Then even more. Before he knew it, he was ingrained in the local community and wanted to be more proactive. We all have a story, but Dave wanted to make the second half of his more focused on spreading that positivity. The Beer Runners presented him with the perfect opportunity to do just that.

Dave’s positivity is contagious as well, because it wasn’t long into our conversation when I realized, “I’m going to end up running with them, aren’t I?”

As Dave went on about the people, the personal growth shared, and the charitable efforts the group has made, it was hard to not find the whole thing appealing. For the first time I thought, “Hell, maybe I can run with other people.”

There I was the following Monday, standing at the corner of Main Street and Green Lane with a group strangers. Dave introduced me to the group and handed me the directions for tonight’s run with the remark, “It’s a little tough today — hills.” Anyone familiar with the landscape of Manayunk knows that the hills around here aren’t cavalier inclines, but treacherous slopes towards the sky. Great.

As we wait for more people to show, I just sit back and listen to the runners, stretching and talking about everything from work to recent accomplishments as comfortable friends and acquaintances are apt to do. Tonight is a dog-friendly excursion, so the inclusion of pups lights up the group with every new arrival. We embark when everyone arrives at about 6:35 p.m. — not bad for a 6:30 p.m. projected start.

The group splinters at a point in the run and all along the way, both Dave and Sandy make sure everyone is still together. Sandy goes ahead to make sure the leaders are good while Dave keeps track of the slower paces, stopping or doubling back on occasion just to make sure everyone is alright. Safety is a major factor for them, so they take great pains in making sure no one gets lost or splinters off.

When everyone arrived at our finish line, the Hilltown Tavern on Roxborough Ave, it was time for the ritual toast — a call and response with glasses raised high, “To the professor!” — and a picture. Dave and Sandy also go through announcements, from congratulating members who completed the Boston Marathon to group outings and charitable events coming up.

The Manayunk Beer Runners isn’t content with simply running and drinking on a weekly basis. They use their platform to support and partner with organizations like North Light Community Center and Friends in Pink, as well as participate in food drives, local races, and youth groups. They also coordinate group events like Philadelphia Union games and joint excursions with other fitness groups. They take every chance they can to support new or favorite local spots, and celebrate the community as much as possible.

In a way, the Manayunk Beer Runners are unfortunately titled, for they are so much more than just beer and/or running. They’re a support group that happens to host runs when they meet. They’re celebratory week-starters with long-term health benefits. They’re a group of people who don’t just wax poetic about the neighborhood, but explore and patronize every part of it together.

Beer enthusiast or not, if you love good people and even once considered trying running, then all you need to know is…they meet every Monday at 6:30 p.m. at Main Street and Green Lane. I’ll see you there!