It’s no secret Delaware is home to many amazing craft breweries. Along with mouthwatering bites, special events and delicious craft beers, many of Delaware’s breweries have one more offering: brewery run clubs.
“It really helps with mental balance,” explains Karen Brumbaugh, the founder of Twisted Irons Craft Brewing Company‘s Twisted Little Run Club. “Getting out once a week to run, walk—whatever you can, it really helps people.”
Brumbaugh also runs in Autumn Arch Brewing Project’s weekly run club, along with other fitness hobbies like yoga and strength training.
“My husband and I started going to Twisted Irons when they opened,” says Brumbaugh. “Dave knew I was a runner and asked if I’d like to start a run club, so I started looking for a route.”
She started with a 5K benefiting breast cancer research with an after-party at Twisted Irons. The brewery run club was born soon after in June, with about four or five runners in attendance. Twisted Little Run Club now hosts anywhere from 10 to 19 people on any given Thursday.
“You don’t have to be fast. You don’t have to set the world on fire. You don’t have to be an Olympian.”
While brewery run clubs often attract avid runners, you certainly don’t have to be one to participate. In fact, Twisted Little Run Club is home to many who walk the route and meet up with the runners for a chat and a beer afterwards.
“You don’t have to be fast. You don’t have to set the world on fire. You don’t have to be an Olympian,” Brumbaugh adds.
The run club at Twisted Irons is as much about community as it is about running. While March to October is the ideal season for outdoor running, Brumbaugh has plenty of activities planned for the club during the off-season—many of which focus on giving back to the community.
Efforts like preparing breakfast at the Ronald McDonald House and a virtual 5K fundraiser for Maui Food Bank are part of a bonding experience for Brumbaugh and the club members.
“I love doing benefits—to make us feel good about giving back to the community, and still give us an opportunity to meet in the off-season,” she explains.
The Twisted Little Run Club meets every Thursday at Twisted Irons at 6 p.m. for a three-mile out-and-back route. Anyone who wants to enjoy an active evening and a craft brew is welcome. Whether you’re a walker, a runner or something in-between, Delaware’s brewery run clubs offer a great way to stay active.
Related: Kent County Mom Walks Keeps Moms Active in Delaware
