The first rule of Run Club is “You definitely DO talk about Run Club.”
Wait, that’s not right. This is the 99 Bottles Run Club in Sarasota, Florida, where it stays warm and humid well into fall—so the first rule here is actually: HYDRATE.
Mark Tuchman, owner of 99 Bottles Taproom & Bottle Shop in downtown Sarasota, knows a thing or two about pairing pints with pace. This isn’t his first time bringing a social run club to life—I remember pounding the pavement with the crew from Mr. Beery’s in Gulf Gate a decade ago, with Edible Editor Tracy Freeman right there beside me. Since launching in November 2022, the 99 Bottles Run Club has grown from a handful of diehard runners into a rotating pack of nearly 250 enthusiasts. The 3.1-mile (aka classic 5K) route starts and ends at 99 Bottles, weaving through downtown to the bayfront and marina, up and over the crest of the Ringling Bridge, and back again.
So, what beer pairs best with a 5K? According to Mark, the answer doesn’t change with the weather: “By the end of a 5K, you’re going to be hot and sweaty no matter the season, so I’d recommend a lager like Jack’s Abby “House Lager” from tap #2.” And he’s right: That light, golden, refreshing brew hits just right after a run and is available year-round. Prefer a fruitier/gluten-free option? Go local with Tactical Brewing’s “Meloncholy,” an Instagram-friendly pink watermelon sour that’s become a fan favorite.
With 34 rotating beers on tap (plus a few non-beer options), the lineup changes about every 10 days, so there’s always something new to try. A few staples, like Jack’s Abby, stick around—chosen for being exceptional, fairly priced, and consistently available.
And if you’re hungry after your run, don’t sleep on the chef-driven sandwiches. Cold beer and good food? That’s the dream.
If you haven’t joined the club yet, Mark has one piece of advice: “Don’t be intimidated—just come run with us! One of the things the staff is most proud of is how many people tell us every week about how much they love this free, inclusive community event.” The crowd is a mix of humans who like to move, mingle, and raise a glass afterward—no stopwatch required. And Run Club is just the beginning. Check out 99 Bottles’ calendar for everything from educational tastings and morning walks to a New York Bagel Brunch complete with mimosas.
So why not take a chance? Lace up your running shoes and join the 99 Bottles Run Club this Wednesday at 6 p.m. Just don’t forget the first rule: HYDRATE.
99 Bottles
1445 2nd Street, Sarasota
941-487-7874
99bottles.net
