While many people would associate water or Gatorade with exercise, those people would be wrong, and the Tacoma Runners know it. Every Thursday at 6:30 p.m., for the last three years, waves of runners head out from a Tacoma pub, following a 5K route announced at the start, before returning to the starting line for multiple hugs and carbohydrate-rich beers.

Mike and Lisa Hahn, Derek Young, Rob McNair-Huff and several others launched the social group in 2010, with Young, Sarah Cutting and McNair-Huff running it today, hosting a website and setting the routes for 2041 Facebook members. Thursday, Jan. 31 the Tacoma Runners will celebrate three years - with a 5K and awards - at the Parkway Tavern. Expect at least 41 tutus (ask them!). 

Read Kristin Kendle's feature story on the Tacoma Runners in the Weekly Volcano's Mudroom section.

PARKWAY TAVERN, 6:30-9:30 P.M., NO COVER, 313 N. I ST., TACOMA, TACOMARUNNERS.COM