On February 24, 2018, 132 dedicated runners completed a flat and fast 5k-ish course in Vancouver Washington! This run was one of the Oregon Brewery Running Series winter 5k fun runs that start and end at great breweries in Oregon and Southwest Washington. It’s strange to think that just two days before this event, schools, and business closed due to a “weather emergency.” Most of us woke up to snow covering the area, making travel, and running, difficult. I grew up in Minnesota, so I try not to be one of those people who won’t shut up about how beautiful the weather is here compared to there. But seriously, the brief snow episode is barely a memory now. Our final participant count is a little misleading because a handful of people canceled who were worried there might be more snow. Luckily, the rain and snow held off until we were done running, and it was indeed a great day to get active, have fun, and give back to the local community!
Franz Bakery, one of our series sponsors this year, was in attendance again (last week they brought their #GrilledCheeseMachine) and gave away over 200 fruit pies – That’s a lot of sticky fingers! They will be at several more events this year, so be on the lookout for more great giveaways!
But what makes these events so unique are the participants. The energy, encouragement for one another, and enthusiasm for beer run fun are contagious! Kim Williams, one of our incredible volunteers (who has also run, and won, several of them in the past), said,
“After a week of snow and cold, the sun came out and warmed the route for our runners! The runners were so excited it was sunny, LOL!!!”
Chris, one of our regulars (he has done all of them this year, and nearly all in 2017), commented to me about the unbelievable community that is developing at these events.
“We had perfect weather, despite the snow earlier in the week! And, you never know what the day will hold at one of these runs – today I met a new contact from Los Angeles, and will join her and her running group the next time I’m in that area! This running series brings people together from all over the country!”
Saturday, March 3, 2018, marks our final run of the winter at StormBreaker Brewing in North Portland. Register here and join us!
GIVE BACK
We truly believe in the work of our non-profit partners, which is why 10% of our proceeds help support the Oregon Brewshed Alliance, Dollar For Portland, and Life Vest Inside. Not only does a portion of your registration go to them directly, but some of our participants do great volunteer work with some of these groups as well. We HIGHLY encourage you to click on those links to learn more about what they do.
THANK YOU!
Thank you to all of our volunteers, music from J&B on the Rocks, and the entire HUB Vancouver crew for helping us host another safe and memorable event. Also a big HUGE thank you to our partners, Spielman Bagels & Coffee, Franz Bakery, Imperfect Produce, Laughing Planet, and Kind Bars for your generous support!
We also can’t stress enough the amazingness that is Troy and the entire staff at Hopworks Urban Brewery Vancouver! They were incredible to work with and super friendly. Make sure to stop back at any of their locations often. Also, see what they are doing to do good for people and planet.
🎧 – Listen to our podcast interview with Christian Ettinger, founder, owner and head brewer at HUB.
Run with Us!
Saturday, March 3 is our fourth and final run of the 2018 winter series. Please join us by registering here. If you can’t make that one, don’t worry, we have 18 events in 2018!
Cheers and don’t forget – get active, have fun, and give back!
