Running News Daily

Thirsty for a brew? You can crack a cold one postrun at these races. 

Sure, the beverage most closely associated with running long distances is probably water, with sport drinks as a close second. But many other races are being organized around beer. That’s right, runners (like everyone else) love to crack open a cold one, and every year more races pop up in the United States that are geared specifically toward beer. 

After all, finishing a race deserves a celebration and there’s no better way to celebrate than cheersing a pint with your best mates (while wearing split shorts and a singlet obviously.) And if you’re ditching alcohol this season, you can still partake in these races in spirit with your favorite non-alcoholic beverage. 

For obvious reasons, most of these races save the drinking for after the finish line, but that’s not always the case. And while many marathons give finishers an honorary beer, some of these beer-themed races aren’t so quick to cut you off. Whether you’re a beer snob or just looking for an adventure, these races are a great addition to your racing repertoire, and so we’ve rounded up a list of some of the best around the country. 

Here are 13 incredible races that give you the opportunity to sip a brew after you run. 

Craft Brew Races

Location: Various in New England Date: Various

Loads of races hand out a beer at the end, but few are actually themed entirely around beer. The Craft Brew Races, a series of beer-themed runs around New England are just that. After the race, there’s a three-hour-long festival where runners can try dozens of local craft beers. Just make sure that if you sign up for the run you also recruit a designated driver to pick you up. 

The Louisiana Marathon and Half Marathon

Location: Baton Rogue, Louisiana Date: January 14, 2024

While not technically a brewery-themed race, the 2023 Louisiana Marathon had six beer tags attached to runners’ bibs. Yes, that’s correct. Finishers of this race were treated to a six-pack of beer, and with several local brews to choose from, the variety won’t disappoint. Enjoy some gumbo and a few brews afterward. As they say in Baton Rogue, “Laissez les bon temps rouler!” (Translation— Let the good times roll!)

Yuengling Shamrock Marathon

Location: Virginia Beach, Virginia Date: March 17, 2024

If you’re looking for a great weekend for a beer race, an obvious choice would be St. Patrick’s Day weekend. It is, after all, a holiday celebrated almost exclusively by drinking. Virginia Beach’s race weekend, which includes a full gamut of distances to choose from, is sponsored by Yuengling and passes out beer flights to finishers. Plus, since it’s St. Patty’s, you can roll the postrace celebration into general festivities. 

The Growler Team Relay

Location: Ashburn, Virginia & Virginia Beach, Virginia Date: April 15, 2023 and December 9, 2023

Running and drinking are usually more fun with friends, or at least that’s the viewpoint taken by the organizers of these Virginia races. With six legs, each team will race 33.5 miles with anywhere from two to six runners handing off the baton at the checkpoints. When teams finish, each participant receives a pint glass and plenty of beer. What makes the race even more interesting is that the routes you take in each leg are up to you. Sure you’ve got the same start and finish point, but you can get there any way you choose. 

Cottonmouth Beerlay

Location: Greenville, South Carolina Date: June 3, 2023

While most races put the drinking at the end of the race, the Cottonmouth Beerlay is here to make things a little more, shall we say, interesting. The 8-mile course consists of four 2-mile loops. Before each loop, the runner must chug down a beer. If you sign up for the race in a relay, that seems doable, but individuals will be drinking at least four beers while tackling the wooded course. If you aren’t deathly ill when you finish, you can always celebrate with yet another beer. 

Beer Mile World Classic

Location: Chicago, Illinois Date: July 1, 2023

While the Cottonmouth Beerlay is mostly run and games, the Beer Mile World Classic is a sporting event. These people are serious about running the “beer mile” as fast as possible, and by “beer mile” we mean running four laps around a track while chugging down a beer before each loop. The Beer Mile World Classic has slots early in the day for amateur runners, but as the day goes on, you’ll get to watch some top-notch competition. People train for this believe it or not. 

Craft Classic Half Marathon and 5K

Location: Seattle, Washington Date: July 30, 2023

Seattle is a town known for its craft brewery scene, so it makes total sense that it would also host a beer-themed half marathon and 5K. The course is flat and scenic, and there is beer waiting for you at the end (which you’ll need after running in July). It’s said that runners receive a custom bottle opener at the finish. What a cute, useful little prize to win, especially if you already have 500 running T-shirts. 

Dogfish Dash

Location: Milton, Delaware Date: September 24, 2023

You need to be 21-plus just to access the website for this race. The Dogfish Dash, which is sponsored by the Dogfish Head Craft Brewery, is a 5K-ish distance race around Milton, Delaware. Obviously, finishers are treated to some of the brewery’s finest beers, but you’ll also get some cool swag. This race prides itself on sustainability as well, meaning that not only do you get reusable shopping bags and water bottles for finishing, but also if you wear a costume made of recycled materials, you get entered for a special prize. Time to start working on your Pepsi can racing shorts. 

Time to start working on your Pepsi can racing shorts. 

Milwaukee Beer Run

Location: Milwaukee, Wisconsin Date: October 8, 2023

If you happen to be on the other side of Lake Michigan during Oktoberfest, you can run the Milwaukee Beer Run, and let’s be honest Milwaukee knows its beers. The 5K race ends at The Bavarian Bierhaus, where you’ll get a free beer (or root beer for our sober crowd). The race entry also comes with a pass into Milwaukee’s Original Oktoberfest, so you can really keep that energy going all day. Also, there is a .05 mile race (which is 54 yards) for those who want the medal and beer without actually doing much running. 

Kona Oktoberfest Run

Location: Royal Oak, Michigan Date: October 8, 2023

Oktoberfest is the St. Patty’s Day of the fall, right? While you might think that this race is put on by Kona Brewing Company in Hawaii, it’s actually hosted by the Kona Running Company in Michigan. The race does, however, come with a plentiful supply of beer, as the post-race festivities include an Oktoberfest event complete with steins of ale and giant pretzels. Runners are also encouraged to run the 5K or 10K wearing Bavarian gear.

Great American Brewery Runs

Location: Various Date: Various

Great American Brewery Runs are almost more of a beer race aggregator than a specific event. They host races all over the East Coast that involve beer, but the specifics and distances vary. There’s a 50K relay, a 5,000 yard dash, and everything else in between. What they all have in common, though, is the inclusion of beer, and how can you say no to that? Might as well sign up for them all.

Shiner Beer Run

Location: Shiner, Texas Date: November 18, 2023

The Shiner Beer Run, which is hosted by the Spoetzl Brewery in Shiner, Texas, is obviously giving out Shiner Bock beer to entrants, and the race ends at the brewery where you can grab food and beers postrace. But, the prerace packet pick up is also at the Spoetzel Brewery the day before, where you can carb load the day before. 

The Beer and Bagel Off-Road Race

Location: Various Date: Various

The Beer and Bagel Off-Road Race is sort of a bizarre mixture of things thrown together, but who are we to question it. Beer and bagels—both made of wheat so it works! Plus, there’s also said to be a Sasquatch running around on the course. We’re serious! The series has races all over the Midwest, South, and East, and looks like a great time. 

Some victories are measured by finish times. Others are defined by the obstacles overcome simply to reach the starting line.

For American Paralympic swimmer Ali Truwit, completing the New York City Marathon represented far more than covering 26.2 miles. It was the culmination of an extraordinary journey of survival, resilience, and unwavering determination that began with a life-altering shark attack just two years earlier.

On a crisp November morning in 2025, Truwit crossed the iconic finish line wearing a carbon-fibre running blade, fulfilling a promise she had made while recovering in a hospital bed after losing her lower left leg. The emotional milestone marked another remarkable chapter in one of the most inspiring comeback stories in modern sport.

The road to that unforgettable finish began only days after Truwit celebrated a major personal achievement. In May 2023, she completed her first marathon in Copenhagen alongside her mother. Just ten days later, while enjoying a graduation trip to Turks and Caicos with former Yale swimming teammate Sophie Pilkinton, tragedy struck.

While the pair were snorkelling, a shark attacked Truwit, severely injuring her left leg. Displaying remarkable courage, the two swam approximately 55 metres back to their boat, where Pilkinton—then a medical student—quickly applied a tourniquet that stopped the bleeding and ultimately saved Truwit's life.

Doctors were forced to amputate her lower left leg on her 23rd birthday.

Even in the darkest moments of recovery, Truwit's determination never disappeared. Reflecting on having recently completed her first marathon, she joked with one of the first responders that at least she had managed to run a marathon before the attack. The responder's simple but powerful reply would remain with her throughout rehabilitation: "You'll run another one."

Those words became a source of hope during the long and demanding road back.

Only weeks after surgery, Truwit began learning to walk on a prosthetic limb before gradually returning to the swimming pool. The process was anything but straightforward. The water that had once been her sanctuary became a source of painful memories, yet she refused to allow fear to define her future.

Her relentless work ethic soon produced extraordinary results.

Less than 16 months after the attack, Truwit represented the United States at the Paris 2024 Paralympic Games, producing a sensational performance to claim both silver and bronze medals. Standing on the Paralympic podium was a powerful reminder of how far she had come in such a short period, and she dedicated those achievements to everyone who had helped save her life.

Still, another dream remained unfinished.

The New York City Marathon carried deep personal significance. It was not merely another endurance event but a symbolic return to the city where her life had changed forever. On November 2, 2025, she lined up in Staten Island accompanied by 13 family members and close friends, all proudly representing her nonprofit foundation, Stronger Than You Think. Among them was Pilkinton, the friend whose quick thinking had preserved her life on that unforgettable day in the Caribbean.

Together, they covered every mile of the marathon before celebrating an emotional finish that Truwit later described as being "over the moon."

Completing a marathon on a carbon-fibre running blade presents challenges far beyond those faced by able-bodied runners. The prosthetic demands greater strength from the hips, core, and remaining leg while requiring exceptional balance, coordination, and endurance. Truwit's preparation combined months of disciplined training, patience, and mental resilience as she effectively taught herself how to run again.

Her story extends well beyond medals and marathon finishes.

Inspired by her own recovery, Truwit founded Stronger Than You Think, a nonprofit organisation dedicated to helping individuals overcome physical and financial barriers following limb loss. Recognising that sports prosthetics can cost tens of thousands of dollars and are often not covered by insurance, the foundation provides financial assistance for prosthetic devices, supports water-safety education, and promotes opportunities within Paralympic sport.

The organisation has already helped provide more than 11 prosthetic limbs, delivered nearly $200,000 in direct support, and funded over 4,000 hours of water-safety lessons benefiting more than 700 young people.

Throughout her journey, Truwit has remained refreshingly honest about the emotional challenges that continue to accompany recovery. She has openly acknowledged that healing is an ongoing process and that grief can still come in waves. Rather than portraying an effortless comeback, she has demonstrated that resilience is built through persistence, even on the hardest days.

Her remarkable transformation resonates far beyond elite sport. While few people will ever experience the trauma she endured, countless runners and athletes understand the frustration of injury, disappointment, or rebuilding after adversity. Truwit's journey serves as a powerful reminder that recovery is rarely linear and that courage is often measured by the willingness to keep moving forward despite uncertainty.

Now looking ahead to the Los Angeles 2028 Paralympic Games, Truwit continues to redefine what is possible. She is no longer known simply as the swimmer who survived a shark attack. She has become a Paralympic medallist, marathon finisher, advocate, and symbol of resilience whose story continues to inspire athletes around the world.

Her journey proves that while life can change in an instant, so too can the strength of the human spirit. Sometimes the greatest triumph is not returning to the person you once were, but discovering someone even stronger than you ever imagined possible.

Sprint and hurdles superstar Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone has entered an exciting new chapter in her remarkable life, welcoming her first child with husband Andre Levrone. The four-time Olympic champion and women's 400m hurdles world record holder announced the birth of their daughter, Savannah Michelle Levrone, who was born on Sunday, July 12, 2026.

The couple shared the joyful news with an emotional message celebrating the arrival of their daughter and expressing gratitude to everyone who supported them throughout the pregnancy. Sydney described Savannah as "our blessing and our joy," while expressing excitement and faith for the future that lies ahead for their growing family.

The announcement marks a deeply personal milestone for one of the most accomplished athletes of her generation. Renowned for redefining the women's 400m hurdles through a succession of record-breaking performances, McLaughlin-Levrone now embraces a new role beyond the track as a mother.

The timing of the announcement adds another layer of significance. Just days earlier, Sydney reflected on the 10th anniversary of qualifying for her first Olympic Games at only 16 years old—a breakthrough that launched one of the most decorated careers in modern athletics. Ten years later, her journey has come full circle with another life-changing milestone, underscoring that her greatest moments continue to extend beyond sporting success.

The arrival of Savannah Michelle Levrone has been met with an outpouring of congratulations from athletes, fans, and the wider sporting community, who have celebrated the couple as they begin this new chapter together. As Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone steps into motherhood, the athletics world will undoubtedly continue to follow her inspiring journey—both on and off the track.

Ethiopia's Tsige Gebreselama produced one of the standout road running performances of the season on Sunday, storming to victory at the prestigious Boilermaker Road Race 15K in Utica, New York, with a sensational course record of 47:29.

From the opening kilometers, Gebreselama controlled the race with remarkable composure and precision, maintaining a relentless pace that ultimately erased the previous course record and secured one of the fastest performances ever recorded on the historic course. Her commanding display further reinforced her reputation as one of the world's leading road and distance runners.

The Ethiopian celebration continued as Melknat Wudu crossed the finish line in second place in 47:44, completing a dominant one-two finish for her country. Kenya's Priscah Cherono claimed third in 48:14 after a determined effort, rounding out a world-class podium in a race featuring some of the finest distance runners on the international circuit.

The battle behind the podium remained fiercely competitive. Kenya's Everlyn Kemboi finished fourth in 48:28, narrowly ahead of compatriot Selah Busienei, who clocked 48:31 for fifth. Ethiopia's Netsanet Desta and Alem Nigus Tsadik followed in sixth and seventh respectively, while Kenya's Mercy Cherono secured eighth place.

American athletes also delivered encouraging performances on home roads. Veteran Stephanie Bruce finished ninth in 50:40, with Jackie Gaughan completing the top ten in 51:02 to cap a strong showing for the host nation.

Boilermaker Road Race 15K – Women's Top 10 Results

1. Tsige Gebreselama (Ethiopia) – 47:29 (Course Record)

2. Melknat Wudu (Ethiopia) – 47:44

3. Priscah Cherono (Kenya) – 48:14

4. Everlyn Kemboi (Kenya) – 48:28

5. Selah Busienei (Kenya) – 48:31

6. Netsanet Desta (Ethiopia) – 48:46

7. Alem Nigus Tsadik (Ethiopia) – 48:48

8. Mercy Cherono (Kenya) – 50:23

9. Stephanie Bruce (United States) – 50:40

10. Jackie Gaughan (United States) – 51:02

The women's race combined exceptional depth with remarkable speed, as several athletes broke the 49-minute barrier in a contest that showcased the global strength of elite road running. Gebreselama's record-breaking run now stands as a new benchmark in the rich history of the Boilermaker 15K, adding another memorable chapter to one of the United States' most celebrated road races.

Kenya's Alex Matata delivered a sensational performance to claim the men's title at the prestigious Boilermaker Road Race 15K in Utica, New York, producing a dominant run that underlined his growing reputation as one of the world's finest road racers.

Matata surged to victory in an outstanding time of 42:24, mastering the demanding course with a display of strength, speed, and tactical brilliance. His commanding performance secured a memorable triumph in one of the United States' most celebrated road races, adding another significant international victory to his career.

Kenya's success was further highlighted by Kiprono Sitonik, who produced an equally impressive run to finish second in 42:53, completing a remarkable one-two finish for the East African nation. South Africa's Adam Lipschitz rounded out the podium after clocking 43:14 to claim third place following a determined effort.

The race featured a highly competitive international field, with American athletes Reid Buchanan and Hillary Bor finishing fourth and fifth respectively, while another Kenyan, Victor Shitsama, added to his country's strong showing by taking sixth place.

Matata's victory once again showcased Kenya's enduring strength in global road racing, as its athletes continued to dominate major international competitions through exceptional endurance, tactical awareness, and relentless finishing speed. His performance in Utica not only thrilled the spectators lining the streets but also reinforced the depth of Kenyan distance running on the world stage.

Men's Top 10 Results – Boilermaker Road Race 15K

1. Alex Matata (Kenya) – 42:24

2. Kiprono Sitonik (Kenya) – 42:53

3. Adam Lipschitz (South Africa) – 43:14

4. Reid Buchanan (United States) – 43:38

5. Hillary Bor (United States) – 43:40

6. Victor Shitsama (Kenya) – 44:02

7. Futsum Zienasellassie (United States) – 44:32

8. Charlie Sweeney (United States) – 44:37

9. Sam Lawler (United States) – 44:54

10. Tyler Berg (United States) – 45:08

With another major road racing title added to his résumé, Alex Matata continued his impressive 2026 campaign while reinforcing his status as one of the leading names on the international road racing circuit. The Boilermaker 15K once again delivered a high-quality contest, with athletes from across the globe producing memorable performances in one of the United States' most prestigious road races.

Eliud Kipchoge's remarkable World Tour continued on Brazilian soil as the Kenyan marathon icon completed the New Balance 42K Porto Alegre Marathon, crossing the finish line in 2:18:39 to place 12th overall during the second stop of his ambitious seven-continent global running tour.

Competing against a strong international field, the two-time Olympic marathon champion displayed the resilience and determination that have defined his legendary career. While the result was not among the victories that have made him one of the greatest marathon runners in history, Kipchoge once again demonstrated the unwavering commitment that continues to inspire athletes and fans across the globe.

Morocco's Zineddine Ouria claimed victory in a superb 2:08:49, with Kipchoge finishing 9 minutes and 50 seconds behind the race winner after navigating the demanding course in Porto Alegre.

Kipchoge began the race with controlled and confident pacing, reaching 5km in 15:34 before passing the halfway mark in 1:05:07. As the race entered its decisive stages, the pace gradually slowed, but the veteran marathoner pressed on with characteristic determination, completing the 42.195-kilometre challenge in 2:18:39.

For many, the story will be told through the finishing position. But for those who truly understand greatness, this journey is about far more than medals, records, or podium finishes. Kipchoge's World Tour is a celebration of the sport itself—an opportunity to connect with runners across every continent, inspire the next generation, and continue living by the philosophy that has become synonymous with his career: "No Human Is Limited."

The Brazilian appearance also carried added significance, coming shortly after Kipchoge was permanently honoured in Porto Alegre with his footprints unveiled at the entrance of Parque Harmonia—a lasting tribute to his extraordinary impact on distance running and his enduring legacy in the sport.

Once a champion. Forever an inspiration. Legends do not stop inspiring when the victories become fewer; they inspire because they never stop showing up. Through every stride, every finish line, and every challenge embraced, Kipchoge continues to prove that true greatness is measured not only by what an athlete wins, but by the lives they touch along the way.

With the second stop of his World Tour now complete, Kipchoge will turn his attention to the next chapter of his global adventure when he lines up at the Melbourne Marathon in Australia this October. Wherever he races, millions will once again follow the journey of a man whose legacy extends far beyond the stopwatch.