TrALE Run finds recipe for success by pairing beer with fitness

Hiking and beer go hand in hand. Just ask Fitness Junkies founder Kathy Johnston-Isenor.

When the local health enthusiast dreamed up an event that would see people exploring the great outdoors while enjoying a brewski, she shared the vision with her friend and event planner Shannon Pierangeli, who helped make it a reality.

The inaugural Falmouth TrALE Run was held in 2016 and Johnston-Isenor said they knew they had to hold another one.

“Everybody had smiles, there was nothing but positive feedback,” said Johnston-Isenor.

This year’s event will be held Sept. 30 at 3 p.m. at Castle Frederick Farm. There will be a fivekilometre hike available for $50, which includes three local beer/ cider samples, and a 10 km option for $60, which includes six samples.

“It’s a non-timed event. You can take your time. We’re really encouraging people to walk and to hike as it is a challenging route,” said Johnston-Isenor.

The effort to attend the adultsonly event is well worth it, JohnstonIsenor said.

“There’s only one really difficult part of the trail and it is so worth the climb because at the top, you look over the entire Avon River valley,” said JohnstonIsenor. “You get to sit there with a Schoolhouse brew, and kick back with your friends and listen to music and then saunter back down the hill.”

Once the Falmouth TrALE Run is finished, there is an after party featuring live music, a barbecue and more beer and cider sampling (at a cost of $2 per drink).

About 90 people have already pre-registered for the event and Johnston-Isenor hopes more people will sign up in advance so they can make sure there’s enough alcoholic samples to go around. Registration will also be available prior to the event’s start.

A portion of the proceeds raised will be donated to the West Hants Ground Search and Rescue. Last year, the event raised $1,400 and Johnston-Isenor hopes they’ll meet or exceed that amount later this month.

“We built this event to highlight the best of our community and it’s going to take a community to pull it off and make it better every year and get us put on the map,” said Johnston-Isenor.

“Falmouth is stunningly beautiful, and I don’t just mean the scenery. We have amazing local businesses here. We want to show off. Look at us. Come play with us and see what we have to offer.”