A new running group has launched in Sheffield encouraging joggers to don their trainers with the offer of a free beer at the end of their route.
‘Run Dusty Sheffield’ aims to cater for runners of all abilities whilst supporting the city’s independent pub and brewery scene.
Organiser Alex Finch, 27, said: “Our runners will get to visit a range of venues that they might not have been aware of previously, and our collaborators will get exposure and help to widen their customer base.”
The group’s first event set off from Heist Brew Co in Kelham Island on Thursday (2 March 2023) for a five-kilometre-long run, before finishing at the same pub.
Owner and co-founder of Heist Brew Co, Adam France, said: “It’s been incredibly tough for us in the past few years, and since the beginning of Covid it has literally been one disaster after another.
“Run Dusty is a fantastic concept. Drinking can have a huge impact on health, and although our business relies on the sale of alcohol it’s important we promote a healthy lifestyle through these kinds of events.”
Runners at Thursday’s event praised the group’s friendly and sociable atmosphere.
One participant said: “I’m training for a half marathon at the moment, so it was nice to be out with people because I usually train on my own.”
Mr Finch, a structural engineer, explained the group tries to be as inclusive as possible and welcomes people from all walks of life to join in.
He said: “Especially coming out of lockdown, forming connections with people outside of work can be really difficult, so we hope to build on this sense of community.”
“Tonight we had people leading the run and someone at the tail end, so no one gets left behind.”
Another participant added: “It was a good pace, and there were no hills, so it was definitely my level!”
The first ‘Run Dusty’ group was set up in Hackney, London three years ago, before Mr Finch was inspired to take the concept to Sheffield. A trial event was run in Sheffield in January 2023 which sold out all 130 tickets.
They define ‘running dusty’ as exercising despite feeling worse for wear after a night of drinking.
Run Dusty Sheffield’s next outing is on 15 March 2023.
