Inaugural IPA 10K & Beer Mile Comes to Sonoma County

While a 10K run sounds like fun (to some), it's the post-race Beer Festival and Beer Mile that is creating all the buzz right now.

Courtesy of Destination Races

By Jess Poshepny Vallery
Courtesy of Destination Races
Courtesy of Destination Races.

Destination Races, the Sonoma-based event company behind the Wine Country Half Marathon, is bringing back the “run, sip, explore” concept to Sonoma County – but this time with hops instead of grapes. On April 14-15, runners and beer lovers alike are invited to participate in Destination Races’ inaugural IPA 10K (6.2 mile) and Beer Mile Invitational at the Barlow in Sebastopol.

The two-day event starts on Friday, April 14, with an expo, welcome reception, complimentary beer tasting, “hoppy Easter hunt,” and pre-race party at Crooked Goat Brewing at the Barlow. “Our artisan makers are excited to showcase their locally produced goods to these runners and beer enthusiasts. Can you say IPA-flavored ice cream, anyone?” said Janel Healy, Barlow’s Director of Communications.

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On race day, April 15, runners will gather at Crooked Goat Brewing for a beer toast before crossing the starting line. After running, jogging or walking along a scenic 6.2 mile route from the Barlow through the northern rural edge of Sebastopol, participants will be greeted by the finish line with a medal and a 4-ounce beer tasting glass. The reward for the race? 14 craft breweries will serve beer at a post-run Beer & Music Festival, accompanied by tasty bites and live music on a stage sponsored by Lagunitas.

The beer arch runners will pass through at the IPA 10K in Sebastopol. (Courtesy of Destination Races)
The beer arch runners will pass through at the IPA 10K in Sebastopol. (Courtesy of Destination Races)

These Sonoma County breweries will be pouring beers at the festival:

101 North Brewing
Bear Republic
3 Disciples
Crooked Goat
Lagunitas
HenHouse
WoodFour
Petaluma Hills
St. Florian’s
Sonoma Springs
Magnolia
Golden State Cider

HopMonk Tavern

After the 10K, it’s time for the Beer Mile Invitational, a crazy race around one block of the Barlow in which professional runners compete for prize money. Each runner must consume a 12-ounce beer every quarter mile lap in the “chug zone,” (a total of four beers) — and keep them down. The world record in the Beer Mile is 4 minutes, 34 seconds, held by Canadian Corey Bellemore.

Prior to the professional Beer Mile race, participating breweries will sponsor four-person relay races in which each team member drinks a 12-ounce beer, runs a quarter mile, and then downs another beer, before passing off the baton to his or her partner to continue with the same routine. The winning team will receive a “Golden Growler Award” that will be filled with their favorite local beer.

IPA 10K & Beer Mile Invitational, April 14-15

April 14: Race Expo, Welcome Reception, Complimentary Beer Tasting and Hoppy Easter Hunt 12:00-6:00pm, The Barlow.

April 15: Runner’s Beer Toast 7:55am, Start time 8:00am, Beer & Music Festival: Runners & Guests Only 9:30-11:30am, General Public: 11:30am-3:00pm. Beer Mile Invitation, 12:00-1:00pm.

Registration for the 10K is $70 per person and includes a running shirt, a bottle opener finishers medal, an event beer tasting glass, and beer tasting tickets. To register for the race, click here. Admission to the festival only is $30. To purchase tickets to the festival, click here.

The Barlow, 6780 Depot St #110, Sebastopol 95472
More information: ipa10k.com