CBR co-founders Brian and Eryn
Original sketch--CBR logo design
Our beginnings
As a pilot in the Air Force, Eryn was used to moving around and picking up at a moment's notice. It was because of her job that making new friends, exploring new communities, establishing roots and getting involved with the community seemed like unattainable goals; until one assignment where she found herself living in Philadelphia, PA, in a little neighborhood called Fishtown.
There she found the Fishtown Beer Runners® (FBR), a running club that combines "responsible running and consumption in the interest of science." Here she found a group of people who were friendly and inviting, and who genuinely cared about one another. The life of a military pilot is sporadic--home one week and gone the next, sometimes gone for months at a time. With a schedule like that, friends are hard to keep; but FBR quickly became her family and was always there to welcome her home. She knew that no matter what, they would be there to run with her every Thursday.
Running with FBR inspired Eryn to sign up for her first race, the Philly Love Run. She trained and ran with other beer runners; and because of their support, she was able to reach and exceed her goals! The comradery and support that she found with FBR stayed with her even after the military moved her to Charleston, SC.
In Charleston, she met Brian, a long time resident of the Holy City. Brian didn't run, ever. Until he met Eryn. Together, they decided to bring Beer Runners to Charleston, and the Charleston Beer Runners was formed! The first official CBR run was on October 23, 2014 to Closed for Business, where Brian happened to be bartending.
CBR began as a small group of friends running together. Today, CBR is still a group of friends running together--only now our small group of friends has grown! We've been lucky to see our CBR family grow, and for that we are incredibly thankful.
CBR was officially founded on October 21, 2014.
For the full and complete FBR story, please visit www.fishtownbeerrunners.com.
Concept
Inspired by the Fishtown Beer Runners® of Philadelphia, the Charleston Beer Runners (CBR) seek to bring responsible running and drinking (in the interest of Science) to the Lowcountry!
We meet once a week for a 3-5 mi run that will end at a local bar and enjoy a drink, or two! We always conclude our runs with a spirited toast to DNA (David N. April) & the Spanish Professor (Professor Manuel J. Castillo-Garzon), the men who inspired this beer running movement and have taken the world by storm!
The Charleston Beer Runners is an official chapter of the larger Beer Runners organization founded by David N. April (DJ DNA) and Eric Fiedler. Check out the other Beer Runners Chapters!
Mission
The primary mission is to test the results of the scientific research study conducted by Manuel J Castillo-Garzon, MD, Professor of Medical Physiology, School of Medicine, at the University of Granada. The study said that beer and water have similar rehydration effects (under the conditions of his study) which compared a moderate amount of beer (660 ML) to the same amount of water.
Goals
to encourage people to exercise by running (or walking)
to provide friendly camaraderie and support, and welcome new runners
to create opportunities for new and experienced runners to engage
to promote the responsible enjoyment of QUALITY beer
to support local tavern owners and breweries
to explore the city in which we live in
to show runners safe running paths in our city
to support our community through charities, fundraising, volunteering and raising awareness
How it Works
CBR meets at the same time, same place, every Thursday (rain or shine)! There are predetermined destinations (which will change weekly) up to five miles from the start location. Running routes are typically 3-5 miles, with options for shorter and longer routes. The destination is a tavern, beer runner's house, or any other location where there is QUALITY beer.
As with a typical 5K, faster runners will lead, followed by slower paced runners, followed by walkers. The course will loop so runners and walkers will arrive at the bar around the same time. For example, the destination tavern will be about 1 mile from the start. Walkers will walk the mile to the destination. Runners will run a circuitous route to reach the destination. There are no dues, and everyone is responsible for buying their own beer. Remember to always bring your ID.
A Note to New Runners
Please come out! We are a social running group, that means there is no pressure to perform. So come run with us...just get to the bar, no questions asked!
Responsible Consumption
The Charleston Beer Runners promote responsible beer consumption. Responsible consumption means consuming QUALITY beer and drinking within one’s limits. Please note, drinking beer while running will not be permitted. We also ask that you refrain from endangering your body by drinking any of the major macro beers.
Membership
There is no formal membership, no fees or dues. Charleston Beer Runners is open to anyone over 21. New and seasoned runners are welcomed. Elite runners should remember this is primarily a social outing and should plan to do greater distances before meeting. The club is also open to walkers and yes, even non drinkers.
Want to be a Beer Runner? All you have to do is show up! Once you come out for your first run, you are officially a beer runner! We love having new runners, and you won't be new for long. We typically get a new runner (or a few) each week! So, come run with us, we're excited to meet you!
And finally, once a beer runner, always a beer runner! Even if your life or job takes you away from Charleston, you will always have a place with the CBR and extended Beer Runners family.
Start Location
Start at the Hampton Park gazebo, every Thursday at 7:00 PM sharp. See When & Where for more details.
CBR DISCLAIMER:
By participating in a Charleston Beer Runners (CBR) group run or event, you acknowledge that running can be a dangerous sport and that you alone are responsible for your safety and/or actions. You should ensure that you are physically fit enough to participate in CBR runs and events. The organizer, other members of Charleston Beer Runners, and our running locations are not liable for your safety and/or actions.
Remember to hydrate with water during & after the run. If you drive home from the bar, remember to drive responsibly (or better yet, have someone pick you up). Try Uber--use the discount code "UberEryn" or "UberSarafin" to get up to $20 off your first ride!
CBR 1 yr Anniversary, run to Palmetto, sponsored by First Command (October 2015)
CBR run to Revelry (March 2016)
CBR at Palmetto Brewing, Toys for Tots Fundraiser (December 2017)
CBR Holiday Lights Run, stop at Belmond Charleston Place (4th Annual, December 2017)
CBR 4th B-day Celebration (Container Bar, October 2018)