Many seasoned runners run because they love it. Some of us run because we like to burn calories so that we can eat (or drink) a little extra every day. However, regardless of your reasons for running, road races are always a welcome break from the monotony of the daily treadmill. So which race do you choose? This probably doesn’t surprise you, but we make our decision based on beer: if the beer is free, we’re there.
Here are a few of our favorite summer 2013 road races that let you have a little fun and drink a little beer:
Bite of Bend Beer Run in Bend, OR (June 30, 2013)
Every year, Bend has a food festival and makes their Beer Run a part of it. You do an easy 5K loop and there are three beer stops along the way featuring Deschutes Brewery, 10 Barrel Brewing and Cascade Lakes beers. Your prize for finishing the race? More beer. The first 800 racers get a commemorative Beer Run growler. Goal: be one of those 800.
Narragansett Running Festival in Easton, MA (July 21, 2013)
With a 5K, 10K or half marathon to choose from, this is for runners of all abilities. Sponsored by Narragansett Beer, the Narragansett Running Festival takes place at Stonehill College followed by a huge post-race festival for you to enjoy. Don’t forget to go to the beer garden to claim the free beer that’s included in your race registration. And if you finish as a top runner of your age group, you’ll get a free pint glass. That’s enough motivation to keep us going.
Tap n’ Run in Oklahoma City, OK (August 10, 2013 ) and Denver, CO (August 24, 2013)
Tap n’ Run takes place in different cities every year, so if it’s not near you for 2013, definitely check back for 2014. If you’re a true beer lover with a sense of humor, this race is for you. It’s only 2.5 miles and there are beer chugging stations placed throughout the route. And, of course, you’re handed a nice full size brew at the end of the race along with a medal that doubles as a bottle opener. This sounds like our kind of race.