It’s a mystery why endurance athletes, especially, seem to be drawn to beer. Or maybe it’s not a mystery. Maybe they run and bike so far and so hard as a preemptive strike against the calories guzzled down with their IPAs, stouts and lagers. Or maybe it’s something else entirely. The point is runners (and bikers) seem to love their beer.

That’s why the Hardywood Twilight 4-Miler makes so much sense. The tagline describes the event perfectly: “The block party with a 4-mile cover charge.” On April 25 at 6:30 p.m., Hardywood Park Craft Brewery will host the 4-mile run (it’s not really meant to be a race). RichmondOutside.com contributor and friend of the program Emily Ward is organizing the run, so we wanted to make sure we did it justice here on the site. Plus, it just sounds cool:

Can’t choose between exercise and happy hour?  On April 25, choose both with the Hardywood Twilight 4 Miler. This casual 4 mile run/walk winds through Richmond’s historic Fan district, and ends with a block party hosted by Richmond’s fastest growing craft brewery — Hardywood Park Craft Brewery!

If you’re looking for elite athletes, blazing fast times, and huge prize money…go run the Boston Marathon. At the Twilight 4 Miler, we don’t really care how fast you go, as long as you have fun doing it. There is no chip timing, so save your energy for the after-party. The relaxed atmosphere and scenic course make it the perfect race for walkers and beginner runners.

After the race, enjoy yourself by eating, drinking, listening to live music, and mingling with friends, neighbors and co-workers. Each contestant will receive a ticket redeemable for one complimentary beer, and additional beers may be purchased. We’ll also have the food trucks, a Thursday night Hardywood tradition.