Solo and Socialization

“Beer running combines two actions: running and being social,” Mr. April said. “You have the serious solo runner who needs socialization, and the guy who drinks too much who needs exercise. Being social encourages more people to be consistent.”

Matt Hotz, a 38-year-old business analyst who lives in South Philadelphia, runs with the Fishtown Beer Runners occasionally. He is training for the Philadelphia half-marathon in November and, while he usually runs alone because of his schedule, he joins the group runs when he can.

“It’s a reverse causality,” he said while drinking a Dark Horse Crooked Tree I.P.A. after one recent Fishtown run. “Loving beer comes first. Finding something that I like that made me not get fat came next.”

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