Calling all beer enthusiasts and fitness fanatics: If you’re on the hunt for the perfect blend of hops and health, reserve your Wednesday plans for Downtown Sarasota. 99 Bottles Taproom & Bottle Shop has a lot more to offer than just foamy goodness in a glass. Get ready to lace up those running shoes every Wednesday evening, as they host the most revitalizing social event in town – the Run99! 5K – where the only thing better than the run is the reward at the finish line!
Whether you’re a marathon runner in training, an average jogger or, if you’re like me, a sociable stroller, 99 Bottles Run Club welcomes everyone of all speeds and styles with open arms – so don’t be shy to join in the fun!
Come 6:00pm, with a spirited welcome and send-off from the 99 team, we take off from 2nd Street, pounding the pavement in unison towards John Ringling Bridge, with some noticeably swift over-achievers quickly pulling away from the pack. The route takes you on a scenic tour, passing through downtown streets and bayfront parks, over the bridge halfway and back – a refreshing change of scenery from my usual treadmill grind.
As you work up a thirst over the course of the 5K, the promise of a post-run brew awaits. A well-earned (and complimentary!) pint of the chosen beer for the week awaits every
participant at the finish line. Plus water; water is always a good idea. Stay hydrated, folks – it’s Florida.
Back at 99, a triumphant sea of sweaty faces gathers on the front sidewalk, each reveling in the achievement of completing another Wednesday fun run (or walk). The camaraderie is contagious, and you’ll find yourself making new friends in no time – cheers-ing to a shared interest of outdoor fitness and good beer. You’ll often find the Run Club members even sticking around long after their run at the community picnic tables, swapping tales and savoring their well-deserved pints.
So, whether you’re a seasoned runner or someone who’s always wondered what the fuss is all about, let Run99! get you over the hump of the mid-week slump. It really is the perfect blend of exercise, camaraderie and top-shelf craft beer – a winning trifecta that’s hard to beat.
And yet, the deal gets sweeter: Each time you finish a run, you’ll get your card punched for attendance credit, which eventually adds up to a level of 99 prizes for participation. I’ve still got a ways to go, but hey – life’s a marathon, not a race, right?