Today on Tuesdays on the Run, we are talking about our bucket list of races. For me, I’ve never been tempted by the big marathons, like Boston or NYC. I think it’s because I live in a big city myself, so big races don’t excite me. There are lots of races out there that I’d love to run, but here’s one that has been on my radar for a while and I WILL get to someday: the Bend beer relay AKA the Bend Beer Chase.
When someone says “Relay Race” most of us think of races like Ragnar or Hood to Coast or American Odyssey where you have more than one van and run through the night. These are great races and a lot of fun, but there’s another option that’s been gaining in popularity: the one day relay. The one day relay is usually closer to 70 to 80 miles, uses one van, and finishes in the evening of the day it started. This is a great type of race that requires less of a commitment on the part of the runner but still offers a lot of fun.
Want to know how to make that even better? Add beer. That’s right you can run the Bend Beer Chase which is a relay race that includes breweries.
Here’s how the Bend Beer Chase works:
The Bend Beer Chase is a one-day, 70 mile relay that starts at Worth Brewing in Bend. Each team of 6 (or fewer runners) will set off towards Redmond, then head to Sisters, and return back to Bend. In a 6 runner team, each team will run 2 legs with the legs varying from 4-8 miles. So far that sounds just like any other one day relay, right?
Well, this one adds a bit of fun: beer samples at each of the brewery exchanges. While every van has to have a designated driver, there are opportunities to have a small (3-4 oz) beer at exchanges with breweries. To add to the challenge, one of the stops is even at a distillery. Runners have the opportunity to try libations at Worthy, Wild Ride, Smith Rock, Three Creeks, and Bend Distillery as part of the 70 mile relay.
The race ends with the Keg Leg in downtown Bend. The Keg Leg offers stops at 6 Bend breweries: Silver Moon, Bend Brewing, 10 Barrel, Deschutes, Rat Hole, and Crux. As you might imagine, the vans are no longer a part of the event at this point. Runners run between breweries, sampling at each, until they end up at Crux Brewery for a finish party and awards. (Don’t want to do the whole relay? Individuals can opt to just participate in the Keg Leg aspect of the race.) Don’t forget to make sure you get your Bend Ale Trail passport so you can count all the breweries towards your prize for hitting 10 or more Bend breweries!
Next race is June 3, 2017! Who is in?
Loading InLinkz ...This article was authored by MCM Mama and first published in 2015 on the Runhaven site. Copyright 2015 MOKO Mobi, Inc. Used by permission of MOKO.Mobi, Inc.
A one day relay sounds like a lot of fun. Relays haven’t really made their way to France. I am not a big beer drinker, and can not do alcohol when I run, but many of the races here in France do go through wineries.
You should definitely sign up !
Karen @ Fit in France recently posted…Running through Paris
#awesome. I want to be involved because this sounds amazing
Susie @ SuzLyfe recently posted…Bringing Home a Puppy Into Cat House Part 1: Adoption Story
Oh how fun! A beer relay sounds about right for you.
Patty recently posted…Bucket List Race | Tuesdays on the Run
Sounds like fun. Sadly I’m not a beer drinker. I like the idea of a one-day relay though.
Marcia recently posted…No More Marathons For Me
This sounds great!! I like beer and I like running but so far haven’t done any beer themed races. That needs to change!
Michelle @ LivelyChicken recently posted…Q3 Running Update & Marathon Training Week #11
Okay this does sound like an awesome event! I love trying different craft beers so it would be up my alley! Hard to think so far ahead!
Janelle @ Run With No Regrets recently posted…Philly Marathon Training Week 9 and September Monthly Goal Recap
Omg! Count me in!
Amy recently posted…Running the Road Less Traveled… through the Northwoods of WI. Run, Camp, Sleep?, Repeat
OK, this sounds like fun! I’m not much of a beer drinker, but this would be worth it. I know a lot of people who would think about running just to do something like this.
Lesley recently posted…Bucket List Bolder Boulder
A 1 day relay sounds doable (and this one sound right up your alley!). There’s a Texas Independence 200 mile relay I’ve heard.
Now this is a race that my hubs would be on board with! He is all about the craft brew and he would totally be my driver! This sounds like a fun race…but I would probably be sick from the sloshing around in my tummy…
Lindsey @livinglovingrunner recently posted…MO Cowbell Half Marathon | Review
I have not heard of this race Erika but it does sound like you’ll have a lot of fun doing it! Now I wonder if there is a Bend Bourbon Chase???
Thanks for the link up and great topic choice this week!
Tricia@MissSippipiddlin recently posted…Running Bucket List
That sounds like a really fun relay! beer and running!
I have only done Ragnars and Hood to Coast but would love to do some shorter ones like this too
This sounds like a great deal of fun ….insert wine instead of beer and I’m in!!!
OH my that sounds so fun!! Fueled by brewskies! I drank one small cup during a half marathon once and I admit the fizz was nice 🙂 I wonder what several would feel like lol
We have the Tussey Mt relay here which is a one day relay too!
This sounds like a lot of fun!
vicki recently posted…Race Bucket List
A one day relay sounds like a blast!
Jessica S recently posted…Running Bucket List
As a runner/beer-drinker, this sounds like a blast!
Now I need to put together a team!
Bend has many excellent breweries. The good news is I don’t have to use a relay as justification to visit them (insert smiley face here).
We’ve been to most of the breweries in Bend, but I just love the concept of running to them.