There are as many layers to the craft beer community in America as there are in craft beer itself. Bound by a common love, communities have gathered together to celebrate our sudsy staple in a variety of unique ways and through different means. There’s no denying that a firm connection exists between those who love craft beer and those who love running; in fact, one of the more dynamic subcultures of beer lovers, affectionately known as “beer runners,” has successfully intertwined these two unlikely activities. This group has literally tackled its share of hills and valleys, but yesterday’s tragedy at this year’s Boston Marathon has to be one of the biggest tests of perseverance and strength this trail-blazing crew has had to face.

Despite what some may think, beer runners don’t run to justify their drinking habits – they do it because they enjoy both equally, and get more enjoyment out of doing the things they love together. The community that they’ve built spans multiple states, and it shows no signs of slowing down. Boston alone has several active groups, such as the Hash House Harriers and the Kier Byrnes Freedom Runners, and we know these beer-drinking brethren were among the throngs of other marathoners who participated in this year’s pinnacle of distance running. Why anyone would target such a fun-loving and active community in such an evil way is beyond comprehension. We at ACB are deeply disturbed by the tragedy, and our hearts go out to everyone affected.

While it’s impossible to deny the despair and anguish this senseless act has caused, this horrific violence is also a testament to the fact that benevolence and good will preserve. Shaking and beyond exhausted from the marathon, runners set aside their own comfort and put their injured brethren first as they flooded Massachusetts General Hospital to donate blood. When running groups around the country heard about the bombing, they jumped on social media, encouraging others to tweet good thoughts and prayers to those immersed in the tragedy. Boston Beer Company/Samuel Adams, a title sponsor for the marathon, released this statement on its Facebook page:

We were stunned and saddened to learn of the tragic bombings this afternoon near the finish line of the Boston Marathon. For more than 100 years this event has been a cherished part of Boston history. Samuel Adams is a sponsor of the Boston Marathon and had dozens of employees at the race who we believe are safe. All of us at BBC are heartbroken and our thoughts and prayers go out to the victims and families of those affected by today’s incident.

While it may never fully disappear from the minds of those who enjoy the run, we hope that this act has not forever tainted this special event. As legendary runner and best-selling author George Sheehan said, “The obsession with running is really an obsession with the potential for more and more life.” For the overwhelming number of people who view running as not just a hobby but as a lifestyle, we hope for the strength to find the joy again in what they love.

Today, we toast to those runners of the 117th Boston Marathon, to the memory of those lost, to the speedy recovery of those hurt, and to the continued hope for our country’s runners, both craft beer lovers and otherwise, to find the strength to stride on.