Burlington Beer Runners enjoy cold ones as exercise group

Balance is important, so why not indulge with a cold beer after a workout? That’s what the Burlington Beer Runners are all about after all. 

Since January 2023, the Beer Runners have gathered each week at Nickel Brook Brewery on Mainway to get some exercise and socialize with a cold one afterwards. All levels are welcome, as some runners bring their dogs and some choose to walk. 

“I’ve tried to keep it as casual as possible,” Beer Runners organizer Mallory Welch said. “I myself am not always able to make it due to work, but I’ve always let people know they can come when they want. There’s no commitment to it, but we have a pretty good group of regulars.”

Welch added on days she cannot attend, her husband Zach leads the group. 

As many as 10 people join the group for weekly runs on Thursday nights, with a pretty regular gathering of a core four who do their best to attend every meetup. The group is less focused on intensive training than just making sure each member has a good time. 

“Every once in a while, especially as people come more often and they get to know the route, they’ll speed up on ahead,” Welch said. “Sometimes we’ll split into two groups, and if there’s anyone new I’ll stick with them just to be sure they don’t get lost along the way.”

The runners meet at the brewery on Mainway and take off down the road before cutting through some neighbourhood trails. The 5k loop takes runners straight back to the brewery, where workers are ready with water and beers. 

“We usually find a good spot where we can all pull up a chair, and it’s better in the summertime when we can get the patio opened for us,” Welch said. 

The runners are tending to go for Nickel Brook’s selection of IPAs, Welch added, though the brand’s paloma beer is a standout favourite for the club lately, saying it’s a refreshing option after coming in all sweaty after a run. 

The brewery was all for having a regular group of people coming in on a Thursday, sweaty or not, and even offers the runners discounted prices at only $5 for a beer. 

The Burlington Beer Runners are always looking for new members, whether they be experienced in exercise or just dipping their toes into a pair of running shoes for the first time since ninth grade gym class. 

“The ultimate goal is to just meet back at Nickel Brook and have a nice social activity where you can meet some new people with some similar interests,” Welch said. 

Those interested in joining the Burlington Beer Runners can reach out through the Facebook group, or contact the staff at Nickel Brook – who Welch said can relay any information about the club.