Cascade Relays has announced the 2nd annual Bend Beer Chase will be held on Saturday, June 6th, 2015. The Bend Beer Chase is the longest beer relay in the United States with over 16 craft breweries along the course. With a race like this, it’s not just about the beer at the finish line party, but more about experiencing and visiting the local craft breweries along the course itself.
The Bend Beer Chase is a one-day, six person running relay that showcases the best of the Central Oregon craft brewery scene. Bend has become widely known for it’s craft beer scene, and the surrounding towns of Redmond and Sisters are closely following suit. The organizers expect nearly 1000 runners in the second year, with 75% of the runners coming from outside of Central Oregon to enjoy a weekend of running and beer tasting. With a team of six runners, each runner can expect to run approximately 9-11 miles, split between two legs. Throughout the event, participants will sample craft beer directly from the breweries along the course route.
Bend Beer Chase is introducing their own version of the increasingly popular Beer Mile Race. Leg 8 of the relay will offer the option to compete in the Beer Leg, which involves drinking a pint of beer at Three Creeks Brewing. Beer Leg runners will then complete a 4.8-mile trail run and complete the leg with a pint of beer at the finish of the leg. The winner will be judged on the fastest male and female to complete the Beer Leg challenge.
In addition to the 16 craft breweries that participants visit along the course route, the Bend Beer Chase also includes a visit to Bend based Bendistillery and Atlas Cider. The course, while not finalized, will be similar to the 2014 course of 70 miles. The race will start in Bend, travel to Redmond and Sisters and returns to Bend for the finish. The finish line and brew fest will be held at Crux Fermentation Project.
Once a team has completed the relay portion all runners on the team will complete the “Keg Leg” together. The Keg Leg, which also allows individuals to register and run the Keg Leg only, involves 6-7 brewery visits, finishing on the lawn at Crux Fermentation Project. Breweries will be providing runners a sample of their beer along with games and prizes at their breweries.
About Cascade Relays: Cascade Relays is a small, local business with a mission to provide exceptional race experiences, while supporting local communities along course routes. Owners Scott and Carrie Douglass, prioritize rural courses, local vendors & small businesses, personal relationships and supporting local non-profits. Since 2008, Cascade Relays has directly contributed over $175,000 to local non-profit and community groups. Cascade Relays currently produces the Cascade Lakes Relay, Spokane to Sandpoint Relay and the Bend Beer Chase.
