The Oregon Brewery Running Series is not a race. In fact, we would prefer you consider them Un-Races. In many ways, we’re trying to create something contrary to those fancy 5k races, with their medals, finisher t-shirts, and high entry fees. That that there’s anything wrong with those (we all run our fare share of them each year). To be clear, these races will not be timed, and no medals or t-shirts will be given out. Most likely, there will only be a handful of neighborhood spectators along the course.
We encourage all participants to run, job, walk, push your kids in a stroller – whatever you want! The only benefit of running is that you’ll get to drink your beer sooner.
There are three things we’re hoping to accomplish through the Oregon Brewery Running Series. We want to help people:
- Achieve their goals of completing a 5k – no matter how they do it.
- Get connected to great aspects of what Portland has to offer.
- Support local non-profits like the Portland Parks Foundation.
How did the Brewery Running Series Begin?
The Brewery Running Series, alas, is not native to Oregon. It began in Minneapolis, Minnesota in 2012 by Nate Herrington and Morgan Jappe. They wanted to combine their favorite things – being active, drinking beer, and supporting their community. Turns out, a few thousand other people those interests! A few years and tens of thousands of beers and miles later, they decided to expand into other cities around the country. Knowing it would only work if locals were in charge, an opportunity arose when two friends, (Nathan and Seth) who were already connected to the series, relocated within a year of each other to Portland. Along with another friend, Drew, they all decided to see if the Rose City, a craft beer and running mecca, would be a good place to reproduce what they experienced in Minneapolis. Since there are about 65 independent microbreweries in the metro, and 96 just in the city itself, it was kind of a no brainer.
The Oregon Brewery Running Series was born!
What You Can Expect
Participants walk / jog / run a 5k-ish course then drink beer. It’s that simple! Everyone is invited to enjoy the day’s entertainment: live music, food trucks, giveaways and activities with partners and sponsors, and all finishers get a FREE craft brew and collectors pint glass or seasonal swag item. A portion of all proceeds goes to benefit local non-profits. The team is thrilled to partner with several great craft breweries as we launch this in Portland in 2016!
Schedule and Kickoff
To see our complete calendar of events, visit the schedule page. We will be finalizing the schedule by August 1, but may add an race of two after. Signup for one or all of them! Also, we’re hosting a kickoff event on Saturday, August 20. It’s an open house style event (not a run) where you can come and get to know a bit more about the series, as well as get some deals on running stuff, sample beer from participating breweries and win prizes!
See you there!
