Bavarian Inn Staff “On the Run”

Oct. 22, 2012 - PRLog -- DETROIT  -- Sept. 21, 2012 -- Under a spotless autumn sky, three members of the Bavarian Inn Restaurant team joined nearly 24,000 runners, walkers, hand cyclists and wheelchair athletes at the 35th annual Detroit Free Press/Talmer Bank Marathon here today.

Phil Fahrenbruch, Joe Putnam and Bill Chapman were among runners from all 50 states and 16 countries in the 26.2 mile run.  The course wove through the streets of Detroit and Windsor, over the Ambassador Bridge and through the Detroit/Windsor tunnel.  All three men finished the impressive distance, an achievement any runner would consider a victory in itself.

Phil Fahrenbruch, Birch Run, is an executive chef at the restaurant and has been with the Bavarian Inn for 23 years.  This marks Fahrenbruch’s 4th marathon since taking up running in 2010 to help rehabilitate after a back injury.  He won the men’s masters division in the “Go the Extra Mile for Covenant Kids Half Marathon” earlier this year.  He is also a 2009 ACF Chef of the Year and a 2012 Silver Plate Award winner.

“I have run many races ranging in distance from 5k to 26.2 miles,” said Fahrenbruch.  “I’ve been lucky enough to come in first in my age bracket for a few.  Since my injury, I’ve just kept pushing and challenging myself to improve.”

Phil finished with a chip time of 4:13:10.  He competed in the male 40-44 age division.

Joe Putnam, Birch Run, is the Food Production Division Manager at Bavarian Inn Restaurant. He has run 8 half-marathons, three marathons and countless 5k, 8k and 10 K races in his four years of running. Joe has also won his age division in many competitions.  He runs, often with Phil, an average of 20 to 30 miles per week and says it is a great way to relieve stress.  

“My ultimate goal for the future would be to run a marathon in Greece, Paris or Africa,” said Putnam. “I come from a long line of distance runners. This past summer several of my aunts, uncles and cousins -- ranging in age from 30 to 72 -- ran the Montrose Blueberry 5 K. The majority of us medaled in our prospective age groups. It will now be a family tradition.”

Joe finished with a chip time of 4:02:13 He competed in the male 45-49 age category

Bill Chapman, Frankenmuth, has been with the Bavarian Inn Restaurant 39 years.  Too small to play football, Chapman started running cross country and track at Reese High School.  Now his running is motivated by his appetite -- preferring the out-of-doors exercise to a gym routine.  He typically runs a dozen local races a year with his brother-in-law.  Chapman’s best running memory is competing in the Chicago Marathon with 43,000 other runners.

“As I’ve gotten older I’ve also gotten slower, but that’s OK,” Chapman said.  “I find I enjoy running more when I’m not concerned with times or keeping up with Phil and Joe.”

Bill finished with a chip time of 5:03:55 He competed in the male 55-59 age category

About Bavarian Inn

More than a restaurant, Bavarian Inn has become a Michigan landmark. Generations of diners, lodgers and tourists from around the globe have discovered true Bavarian hospitality thanks to Dorothy and her late husband William “Tiny” Zehnder. Guests experience the old-world European charm of the Bavarian Inn – whether it’s the famous chicken dinners, fresh baked goods, or Michigan’s greatest selection of German beer. Today, against the backdrop of authentic German architecture, a variety of shops and other fun activities, a trip to Frankenmuth would not be complete without a visit to the Bavarian Inn.  Learn more at www.bavarianinn.com.