by Jim Denison

"No doubt about it, beer and running are close companions. Some runners put in their dose of weekly miles to off-load calories and eat guilt free. But just as many, if not more, runners pound the pavement day in and day out to make room for additional ounces of their favorite golden fluid"

The Boston Marathon Tradition

by Tommy Leonard

"That's what's great about runners," Leonard said. "Most are out to have a good time regardless of whether they're running by themselves, with a group, or in a race. Half the time in races they don't even know about the contest being waged up front. They don't care about the elite guys. To them, entering a road race is a moving street party. And at the end of every race, they know that a cold beer is waiting for them."

The policy for years at the Eliot Lounge was to award every Boston Marathon finisher a complementary brew. This was the marketing ploy of Tommy Leonard, who became the Eliot's bartender in 1972, and whose love of running made the Eliot the international welcoming center for the marathon for 25 years. Unfortunately, the Eliot served its last customer in 1996.

To Your Health

by Dr. Costas Karageorghis

Ironically, many recreational runners who religiously restrict and monitor every detail of their diet and lifestyle are often quite unhealthy. "These compulsive or obsessed weekend road runners or marathoners could use a beer to relax now and then..."

Commemorative Ale

by Jessica Cohan

"Running does definitely go together with beer. At this year's marathon, we commissioned a commemorative New York City Marathon Pale Ale from Saranac Brewers, and it was a huge success, both at our pre-race pasta party and our post-race celebration. We consider finishing the marathon a true accomplishment, and beer accompanies that really well, we think."

Miles and Pints

by Dave Bedford (Britain's legendary distance runner from the 1970s and now race director of the London Marathon)

"In a time when runners were less aware of diet and nutrition, beer was a staple. 'I ran 200 miles a week and drank three to four pints every night, and that was the same for every runner I knew.'"

LINKS: Click...

... here for brief history of the Hash House Harriers.

... here for everything you ever wanted to know about hashing but didn't dare ask.

... here if you'd like to try hashing there's, probably a group in your area.

Note: Crow Athletics does not endorse beer or the consumption of beer or any alcoholic beverages. We strictly do not endorse beer drinking my minors or anyone before, during or after athletic competitions. This information is only supplied to provide entertainment value and to show the relationship and history of beer and long distance running. Readers should make informed decisions about any beer or alcohol consumption before doing so...Cheers!