These runners’ events all conclude with craft-beer offerings, so you can sweat then sip.
Will Run For Beer
Multiple locations and dates
Start the year off on the right foot at the Ready Set 1st Run 5K and 10K in Lowell, Massachusetts, or at the Hangover Classic in Salisbury Beach on January 1. These races, adult beverages included, are part of the Will Run For Beer series that takes place throughout Massachusetts and New Hampshire throughout the year. Find the schedule at willrunforbeer.com.
Sweaty Sweater 5K & Polar Plunge
Fort Collins, Colorado
January 24, 2015
Odell Brewing Co. is sponsoring the beer garden at the 2015 Sweaty Sweater 5K and Polar Bear Plunge at Horsetooth Reservoir, pouring Easy Street Wheat (for beermosas) and 90 Shilling. Find details at odellbrewing.com/events/2015-01.
Craft Brew Races
Multiple locations and dates
Another beer-themed running series is the Craft Brew Races (pictured at top), a series of 5K road races followed by local craft-beer festivals that takes place across the country. The first race of 2015 is March 15 in Savannah, Georgia, with races taking place through the year in Massachusetts, Maine, Rhode Island, Connecticut, Colorado, and Texas. Find more information at craftbrewraces.com.
World’s Hoppiest Road Race Spring Fling
Atlanta, Georgia
April 2015
In 2015, the World’s Hoppiest Road Race Series will begin with a new race, located in Brookhaven. The race starts and ends at Olde Bling Dog Irish Pub in Brookhaven. Festivities include a 5K road race, two live bands, and live entertainment. Every 21-plus runner will receive a free beer from the race’s sponsor, Monday Night Brewing Company. The Spring Fling will take place in April, and the dates for the other two races in the series—the Craft Beer Festival & 5K Road Race and World’s Hoppiest Road Race—will be announced soon. Check for details at worldshoppiest5k.com/races.html.
Blood Sweat Beers
American River Canyon Trails, California
Date to be announced
This challenging trail run pays off with a post-race burger and a beer for runners. The beneficiary of this run is the Protect American River Canyons organization. The event was sold out in 2014, so mark your calendars: registration opens in April. Get the skinny at bloodsweatbeers.com.
Santa Rosa Marathon
Santa Rosa, California
August 23, 2015
Choose between a full marathon, a half marathon, and a 5K at the Santa Rosa Marathon. Then choose two beers in the Whole Foods Beer Garden post-race. Breweries pouring in 2015 are being determined, but guests can expect a world-class beer lineup with the likes of 2014 participants Firestone Walker, The Alchemist, Stone Brewing, Bear Republic Brewing Co., Logsdon Farmhouse Ales, and more. The Port Race Festival includes a free pancake brunch for runners and a farmer’s market. Visit thesantarosamarathon.com for details, coming soon.
Crawlin’ Crab 5K and Half Marathon
Hampton, Virginia
October 3–4
Crawl past the waterfront in downtown Hampton, Virginia, and along historic Chesapeake Avenue during this 5K and half marathon that ends at a craft-brewfest post-party at Hampton Roads Convention Center. This event includes a kid’s 1K, too. Visit crawlincrabhalf.com for more information.
Photo courtesy of Craft Brew Races