Let's be honest: Running in the summer heat can be downright miserable. Often, the only thing that gets us through it is the promise of a cold shower and an even colder beer.
These races combine both awesome elements—running and beer—into one epic event.
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The Best Beer Runs in the U.S.
Written by
Jennifer Fox
Growler Team Relay
1 of 8
Where: Roanoke, Va.
When: September 30, 2017
Beer me: Looking for a longer beer-themed relay? The Growler Team Relay is a 42.6-mile adventure from Soaring Ridge Craft Brewers to Big Lick Brewing Company—and back. You choose how many friends you'd like on your team, with a minimum of two and maximum of eight. Each leg of the route varies in distance and your team is responsible for providing transportation between the transition points of the course.
This race has a big social component to it and, while one teammate runs, the others will play games, solve riddles and decipher clues to earn extra beer tickets. The relay ends with a commemorative growler as your "medal," and a huge party at the finish line, where you can celebrate and, of course, enjoy some beer!
When: September 30, 2017
Beer me: Looking for a longer beer-themed relay? The Growler Team Relay is a 42.6-mile adventure from Soaring Ridge Craft Brewers to Big Lick Brewing Company—and back. You choose how many friends you'd like on your team, with a minimum of two and maximum of eight. Each leg of the route varies in distance and your team is responsible for providing transportation between the transition points of the course.
This race has a big social component to it and, while one teammate runs, the others will play games, solve riddles and decipher clues to earn extra beer tickets. The relay ends with a commemorative growler as your "medal," and a huge party at the finish line, where you can celebrate and, of course, enjoy some beer!
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Find:
Your Next RaceFloTrack Beer Mile Championship
1 of 8
Where: Austin, Texas
When: December 2018
Beer me: While a mile is an achievable distance for most runners, it becomes an entirely different beast when you add four beers into the equation. For runners with a fierce competitive streak, the FloTrack Beer Mile Championship gives you the opportunity to put both your running and drinking chops to the test against the best in the world.
Participants drink four beers and run four laps—one after each beer—in an attempt to win and remain upright! Think you've got what it takes? Better start working on your sprints: The current men's and women's record holders have clocked mile times of 4:34 and 6:08 mile, respectively. That's some pretty fast drinking (and running).
When: December 2018
Beer me: While a mile is an achievable distance for most runners, it becomes an entirely different beast when you add four beers into the equation. For runners with a fierce competitive streak, the FloTrack Beer Mile Championship gives you the opportunity to put both your running and drinking chops to the test against the best in the world.
Participants drink four beers and run four laps—one after each beer—in an attempt to win and remain upright! Think you've got what it takes? Better start working on your sprints: The current men's and women's record holders have clocked mile times of 4:34 and 6:08 mile, respectively. That's some pretty fast drinking (and running).
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Find:
Your Next RaceCottonmouth Beerlay
1 of 8
Where: Travelers Rest, S.C.
When: June 2018
Beer me: With a "drink-run-repeat" motto, this race is a blast for teams of 1 to 4 runners. You and your buddies will take turns running the beautiful Trail Blazer Park two-mile trail loop. Before each lap, you have the option to drink a 12-ounce beer to receive a two-minute deduction off your lap time, and final results are also age-graded.
Your relay "baton" is a full beer can, and you must hold this can the entire race. The icing on the cake? You get to pick your poison: Runners choose and bring their own beer. Beers must be greater-than-5 percent ABV and beer-based ciders or lemonades don't count. But being able to choose what you'll be drinking (and attempting to keep down!) is definitely a perk.
When: June 2018
Beer me: With a "drink-run-repeat" motto, this race is a blast for teams of 1 to 4 runners. You and your buddies will take turns running the beautiful Trail Blazer Park two-mile trail loop. Before each lap, you have the option to drink a 12-ounce beer to receive a two-minute deduction off your lap time, and final results are also age-graded.
Your relay "baton" is a full beer can, and you must hold this can the entire race. The icing on the cake? You get to pick your poison: Runners choose and bring their own beer. Beers must be greater-than-5 percent ABV and beer-based ciders or lemonades don't count. But being able to choose what you'll be drinking (and attempting to keep down!) is definitely a perk.
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Find:
Your Next RaceBend Beer Chase Relay & Keg Leg
1 of 8
Where: Bend, Ore.
When: June 2, 2018
Beer me: Up for a longer run and ready to enjoy some beers with friends? The Bend Beer Chase is a one-day running relay of approximately 50 miles. It is split into 12 legs of varying distance (4 to 8 miles per leg), and starts from Bend, travels to Redmond, to Sisters, and then back to finish in Bend.
You can choose to run it with as many as six runners or as few as two, and your team is responsible for providing your own support and transportation between transition points on the course. Once the relay portion is complete, teams can park their vans and participate in the "Keg Leg" portion of the race. The 3-mile Keg Leg Pub Run stops at eight breweries where runners will get to sample craft brews and receive raffle tickets for prizes at the finish line party in Crow's Feet Commons. Don't feel like doing the relay? Individuals can choose to only do the Keg Leg portion of the race.
Bottoms up!
When: June 2, 2018
Beer me: Up for a longer run and ready to enjoy some beers with friends? The Bend Beer Chase is a one-day running relay of approximately 50 miles. It is split into 12 legs of varying distance (4 to 8 miles per leg), and starts from Bend, travels to Redmond, to Sisters, and then back to finish in Bend.
You can choose to run it with as many as six runners or as few as two, and your team is responsible for providing your own support and transportation between transition points on the course. Once the relay portion is complete, teams can park their vans and participate in the "Keg Leg" portion of the race. The 3-mile Keg Leg Pub Run stops at eight breweries where runners will get to sample craft brews and receive raffle tickets for prizes at the finish line party in Crow's Feet Commons. Don't feel like doing the relay? Individuals can choose to only do the Keg Leg portion of the race.
Bottoms up!
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Your Next RaceLocust Street Festival Riverwest Beer Run/Walk
1 of 8
Where: Milwaukee, Wisc.
When: June 18, 2018
Beer me: Cruising through a 1.8 mile course through the streets of Riverwest, runners have four mandatory beer stops they must hit before completing the race. With prizes for the top-3 racers in each division (plus bragging rights!), you can choose to sprint for glory or take your time and enjoy the jaunt through the neighborhood while sipping your beverages.
The beer run is just one attraction of the Locust Street Festival which features live music on six stages as well as food and goods from local restaurants and vendors. And at just $25 for on-site registration, it's a great deal. Run for the beer, stay for the party.
When: June 18, 2018
Beer me: Cruising through a 1.8 mile course through the streets of Riverwest, runners have four mandatory beer stops they must hit before completing the race. With prizes for the top-3 racers in each division (plus bragging rights!), you can choose to sprint for glory or take your time and enjoy the jaunt through the neighborhood while sipping your beverages.
The beer run is just one attraction of the Locust Street Festival which features live music on six stages as well as food and goods from local restaurants and vendors. And at just $25 for on-site registration, it's a great deal. Run for the beer, stay for the party.
Learn More
Find:
Your Next RaceSmuttynose Will Run for Beer 5K
1 of 8
Where: Smuttynose Brewery, Hampton, N.H.
When: June 24, 2018
Beer me: For those runners who prefer to enjoy their brews after the race, look no further than the Smuttynose Will Run For Beer 5K. The capstone event in the brewery's "Will Run for Beer" series, this 5K sends thousands of runners out on the scenic rural roads of New Hampshire before finishing with an all-day party at the brewery.
Live music, a free cookout, and delicious craft beer are a few of the perks registered runners enjoy at this event.
When: June 24, 2018
Beer me: For those runners who prefer to enjoy their brews after the race, look no further than the Smuttynose Will Run For Beer 5K. The capstone event in the brewery's "Will Run for Beer" series, this 5K sends thousands of runners out on the scenic rural roads of New Hampshire before finishing with an all-day party at the brewery.
Live music, a free cookout, and delicious craft beer are a few of the perks registered runners enjoy at this event.
Learn More
Find:
Your Next RaceBrewery Running Series
1 of 8
Where: Breweries in Minnesota, Colorado, Illinois, Oregon, Texas, Washington and Wisconsin
When: Several events are held in each state throughout the summer
Beer me: Featuring multiple breweries around the states, this series of races focuses on being active, having fun, giving back to the local communities and (of course) drinking good beer!
Events boast 5K-ish courses that start and finish at a local brewery. You can work your way through the surrounding streets at whatever pace you'd like and know that there's a nice cold brew waiting for you at the finish. Participants take home a collector's pint glass or seasonal swag from the Brewery Running Series—as well as other goodies.
When: Several events are held in each state throughout the summer
Beer me: Featuring multiple breweries around the states, this series of races focuses on being active, having fun, giving back to the local communities and (of course) drinking good beer!
Events boast 5K-ish courses that start and finish at a local brewery. You can work your way through the surrounding streets at whatever pace you'd like and know that there's a nice cold brew waiting for you at the finish. Participants take home a collector's pint glass or seasonal swag from the Brewery Running Series—as well as other goodies.
Learn More