A Scottish beer giant has launched a one-off running club to help Scots get fit for the new year. Innis & Gunn is hoping to bring back the joy to January with the launch of its fitness club.
Former Olympian and Commonwealth Games Silver Medallist Lynsey Sharp and UK athletics running coach, Mark Baxter will be leading the effort.
Sharp became the 2012 European Champion in the 800 metres and ran in the 2012 and 2016 Olympic Games.
Runners will earn a pint once they complete their half marathon. The club known as Innis & Runn will start from the beer company’s Edinburgh Lothian Road taproom.
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It will follow an easy 5km route, which happens to be a pint-shaped map on the Strava app. The event will take place on Saturday 11 January at 11am, and a complimentary 4.6% or alcohol-free lager will be awarded to all successful participants.
The run club brings to life the latest episode of Innis & Gunn’s mockumentary series, a unique ‘fly on the wall’ series showcasing the brewer’s real-life employees, including founder Dougal Sharp and commercial director Crawford Sinclair, alongside special guest stars: Scottish comedians Paul Dockery and Katie McKenzie.
Lynsey Sharp will help lead the running club
The third episode in the series, produced by BAFTA-winning creative agency Studio Something, begins with the Innis & Gunn team identifying that running clubs are the new pubs – and hatch a scheme to reward runners with a tasty lager.
Founder and master brewer Dougal Sharp said: “The way we socialise is always evolving, but one thing remains constant: the timeless tradition of bonding over a pint, alcoholic or not, still reigns supreme.
“But things are changing, and we’ve noticed the rise in running clubs – and we want to be part of that. Innis & Runn is the perfect opportunity to get moving this January, connect with others, and build new bonds.”
Scottish comedian Paul Dock devised the club as part of the beer brands mockumentary
Scottish comedian Paul Dockery was filmed devising the plan for Innis & Runn in the Mockumentary, added: “Typically, I’m more of a pint-drinker than a pint runner, but I’m out to change the habit of a lifetime. New Year, new me – well at least on Saturday anyway.”
Lynsey Sharp said: “Your running journey can feel overwhelming at first, but kicking it off with likeminded people can make all the difference. You create a community and have people there cheering you on, and that has a huge impact on not only your confidence, but motivation.
“It’s been great to see the rise of running clubs – it makes the sport more accessible, more social, and more fun. Hopefully 2025 will see even more cropping up.
“Whether you’re a novice or just looking for a fun event to brighten up your January, it’s sure to be a great morning.”
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