Love the relay atmosphere, but hate the lack of sleep an overnight relay inevitably causes? Then the 5th annual Barrel to Keg Relay on July 18 is just what you are looking for. This one day relay starts at the Harris Bridge Vineyard in Philomath and sends runners 69 miles to the Rogue Ales Brewery in Newport. All the fun of a relay with the promise of being able to get a decent night’s sleep afterwards. What’s not to love about that?
Relay teams can be made up of 2 to 7 people. Runners will have 14 legs and 69 miles to cover, while walking teams will have 8 legs and a total of 35 miles. There is also a category for solo ultra runners if you would rather cover the entire distance on your own.
This year Jeff Jones from Georgia will be running Barrel to Keg as a solo runner. As a returning runner he says, “Scenery and variety is second to none on Barrel to Keg . . . You want time in your trail shoes – done deal; you want time on the road, say when. You start hot in the valley and finish cool on the coast – really, what more could you ask for? Combine this experience with a finish of great wine and/or fantastic beer and there is a little something for everyone.”
Barrel to Keg is also known as the Race to End Poverty and is a benefit for Community Services Consortium (CSC.) The CSC has been doing great things for the community since 1980. Their vision is to end poverty in Linn, Benton, and Lincoln counties.
This relay is timed, but not competitive. Awards will be given to the fastest teams in each of six divisions. (Divisions listed here.) In addition, special awards will be given to Best Team Name, Best Decorated Vehicle, and Most Creative Costumes. Sponsored prizes will be presented to the top three teams who raise the most money for CSC’s poverty fighting programs.
The post-race festivities will kick off at Rogue Brewery in Newport at 4:00 P.M. This includes a beer garden, music, food, and the awards ceremony. Sounds like the perfect ending to a scenic one day relay in beautiful Oregon!
Barrel to Keg is limited to just 900 participants and prices increase after June 30, so the time to register is now!
Barrel to Keg Relay Details
Date: Saturday, July 18, 2015
Time: Wave starts between 7:00 and 9:00 A.M. – Team captains will be notified of their start time by June 30.
Start Location: Harris Bridge Vineyard, 22937 Harris Road, Philomath
Finish Location: Rogue Brewery, Newport
Entry Fees: $74 per person through June 30, $85 per person July 1-18
Race Website: Click Here