Hardywood hosts a four-mile run through the Fan

One of RVA’s best-loved breweries will do something new this spring…organize a four-mile run through the Fan.

January 21, 2013; 8:17 AM • by Nathan Cushing

As Richmonders brave the winter with bottles of Gingerbread Stout, makers of the popular seasonal brew, Hardywood Park Craft Brewery, have a unique way to invigorate Richmond come this spring: a four-mile run through the Fan.

The idea for the Twilight 4 Miler, described as a “causal four mile run-walk,” came from Gray Broughton, a local lawyer active with the president’s council of Sports Backers.

“When Gray brought the idea of the Twilight 4 Miler to us, we jumped at the opportunity as it seemed like a natural fit,” said Patrick Murtaugh, Master Brewer at Hardywood. “Runners, bicyclist, kayakers, and other outdoor sports enthusiasts have long been craft beer’s biggest supporters. We are always looking for ways to engage the community…what better way than through great live music, food, beer, and a little exercise?

The Twilight 4 Miler will start at 6:30 PM on April 25th. The course begins at Hardywood, with runners heading south on Hermitage Road before trotting through the Fan. Afterward, food carts and Hardywood beer will be available in an event outside the brewery.

The race is limited to 2,000 participants, who must each register online at a cost of $34.50 per person through February 15th ($39.50 thereafter). As of last Wednesday, there were 370 registrants, “a considerably higher number than [we] originally expected for being this far out,” Murtaugh said.

He added that the Twilight 4 Miler will benefit two local charities: Active RVA, a Sports Backers initiative, and The James River Association (JRA).

“Both of which have been doing amazing things to promote healthy living and a healthy environment in RVA,” Murtaugh said. “We have recently been working with the JRA to convert our used whiskey barrels (we age beer in them) into rain barrels with the proceeds from sales going to benefit the JRA.”

The Twilight 4 Miler is Thursday, April 25th at 6:30 PM. Hardywood Park Craft Brewery is located at 2408 Ownby Lane.