I like to spend the last week of the year in reflection. On a personal and professional level, it’s helpful to look back and see what went well, and what I could have done differently. For both Drew and I, 2016 was an incredibly busy year. Between new babies and new full-time jobs, in addition to starting the Brewery Running Series, it has felt like a whirlwind. In hindsight, this may not have been the best time to start a running series, but we loved it so much that we’re going full steam ahead into 2017!
Reflecting on the 2016 Oregon Brewery Running series, two things really stood out to me as highlights. They were the main reasons why we’ve already filled up our 2017 calendar.
The People
This is obvious, but the people we met who came to a Brewery Running Series event in 2016 were amazing! Hearing some of their stories helped us realized the diverse backgrounds we all have. From those working in the medical profession to creative types, active military personnel and more, we all share a deep love of running and beer.
But more than that, it’s really about people coming together as part of a community. Many ran their first organized 5K, and many run them on a regular basis. Some are well-versed in the nuances of craft beer, while others simply enjoy a pint in the company of friends. We hope that bringing together these people inspires them to continue an active lifestyle as they discover the intricacies of craft beer.
We also loved that families showed up at each event! It was fun seeing the single and double running strollers being pushed, and the gleeful unaware kids inside happy to be out with their parents. When kids see their parents being active, they are more likely to want to be active themselves. We made sure that all events in the 2017 series are family friendly.
The Beer
I am a beer novice. I know what beer I like and what I don’t. Beyond that, I’m not well versed in the vocabulary of the craft beer world. Drew knows beer and I know running, and that works great on our team! I’m learning, and can finally tell the difference between a stout and a porter, and know that an IPA is sacred in Oregon.
Through the process of planning our events, I loved learning about craft beer from a different perspective. Hearing the stories about the process of making beer is fascinating. How Migration disposes of their grain to a pig farmer, how Upright collaborates with a brewery in Korea and how the canoe at Base Camp is a metaphor that inspires their beer and their community. The fact that Ecliptic takes huge inspiration from their founder’s love of astronomy, is fascinating to me. While all breweries need to make what the consumer enjoys to stay in business, there is tremendous art that goes into each style of beer. The best ones have found a way to infuse their own personalities into what they are doing.
Thank You Breweries & Brewers!
We can’t say enough about the breweries and brewers we worked with in 2016. Not only did they go out on a limb to allow us to try this idea, but they were incredibly accommodating and helpful. As Drew and I have been planning 2017, we couldn’t speak enough about these people.
THANK YOU Amanda (Basecamp), Colin (Migration), Alex (Upright), Nikki (Baerlic), Desi (Laurelwood), and Karolyn (Ecliptic). Together with their respective staffs, they made each event happen.
Join us in 2017!
We would love for you to join us at some 5K fun runs in 2017. If you can make it to Portland Brewing on January 7, you’ll get some exclusive deals on the rest of the series. If not, no worries, you can sign up for any of our 2017 5K’s!
Cheers to a great 2017!
