Submitted by Tara McMeans

The Tarahumara Indians run everywhere they go. Young and old alike, they run. No matter where they go, they run.

In his book “Born To Run: A Hidden Tribe, Superathletes, and the Greatest Race the World Has Never Seen,” former Associated Press correspondent turned author Christopher McDougall takes a close look at the unique running technique of the Tarahumara Indians that allows them to run for hundreds of miles with minimal effort, all the while maintaining nearly perfect health and a peaceful existence.

Originally published less than two years ago, the bestseller has become a national must read, with 425,000 copies now in print.

According to the book, running barefoot, or as close as possible, is the answer to consistently safe, pain-free running and endurance.

On a recent episode of HBO’s Real Sports, which featured Chris McDougall and the Born To Run story, Nike chimed in with information on a new shoe they have available, the Free Run, which mimics the experience of barefoot running.

“The book talks about this tribe in Mexico where they run 300 miles without shoes,” explained Grant Brown, Gulf Shores’ director of recreation and cultural arts. “It is a very uplifting story.”

In what McDougall predicts will be “the best running party of the year,” on Tuesday, April 26, the author will be bringing his Naked Run book signing tour to Gulf Shores.

Hosted by Page and Palette, a family-owned bookstore in Fairhope, those interested in running with McDougall will meet at The Hangout no later than 5:30 pm. At that time, McDougall will lead a 90-minute barefoot run on Gulf Shores’ oil-free beaches, followed by a book signing at 7:15.

The event is just one of several planned at the Gulf Shores restaurant this spring.

Brown said the book event is expected to bring 500-800 people to The Hangout for the book signing and other activities.

Paperback copies of the book will be available for $15.95 that will include a signed book, temporary tattoo, access to the 90-minute run and an event T-shirt.

“This is truly a fascinating story,” Gulf Shores Mayor Robert Craft said. “Being a runner, and reading about the Indian tribe that lives in the Copper Canyons and their only transportation is to run barefooted or with sandals that they make with old tires, is amazing. They run for years, up into their 60s and 70s and they run everywhere that they go, and they hardly ever get injured.”

McDougall, who is also a contributing editor for Men’s Health magazine, is a three-time National Magazine Award finalist, and has also written for Esquire, The New York Times Magazine, Outside, Men’s Journal and New York. He does his own running among the Amish farms around his home in rural Pennsylvania.

Craft said jokingly that he doubted he would run on the beach for 90 minutes, but he encouraged people to come to the event. 

“I intend to be there. It is an interesting story and this ought to be a fun event.”

Concert series

On Saturdays, the Hangout along with 92 Zew and Meyer Vacation Rentals announces a special concert series called The Road to The Hangout.

Every Saturday through May 14 92 Zew and The Hangout will present local artists and national recording artists performing a free concert with attendees having the opportunity to win three-day passes to this year’s Hangout Music Festival.

This Saturday Seven Day Sonnet and Halo Stereo will perform. On April 23  Halo Stereo and PALE will perform followed by Caleb Lovely and April Smith and the Great Picture Show on April 30, Caleb Lovely and April Smith and the Great Picture Show on May 7, Grayson Capps and The Stumpknockers on May 14.

The excitement is building for this year’s Hangout Music Festival and this concert series will give some new up and coming artists the chance to perform at The Hangout and give attendees the chance to hear these new artists live.

The radio station 92 Zew will be broadcasting live each at each show.

Earth Day

April 22 the Hangout will have a fun and educational Earth Day Party and Gulf Shores Community Awareness Event. Activity tables are being provided by The Girl Scouts and Boy Scouts, Gulf Shores Elementary, Middle and High Schools, City of Gulf Shores Public Works, Ocean Camp, Baldwin EMC, Book Signing by the authors of “Boat House Buddies,” live music, Earth friendly crafts, games, and more.

 Adult Easter hunt

On April 23, the Hangout will have a late-night adult Easter egg hunt in the restaurant’s courtyard. Best Bunny Costume Contest winner will score two tickets to the Hangout Musicfest.

Eggs will contain prizes including drinks, shirts, koozies and adult novelties. Cover for the Easter egg hunt is $5.

Easter Activities

The next day, Easter Sunday, the Hangout is planning a whole day of family activities, starting with a 6:30 a.m. service by Gulf Shores United Methodist Church. From 8 a.m.-2 p.m. there will be an Easter bunny brunch.

From 11 a.m.-3 p.m. activities will include a huge Easter egg hunt and best bunny costume for kids.