For thee second year in a row, I took to the streets (and bridges) of Portland for Bridge to Brews – this year held on April 19, 2026. What once felt like a race on life support has clearly found its footing again—and in a way that feels uniquely Portland.
Bridge to Brews has technically been around for nearly two decades, but it’s gone through its share of pains around the pandemic era. Between the realities of police staffing, street closures, and the evolving demands of downtown transportation, the event hit a bit of a reset in recent years.
What’s emerged is a refreshed brand and course that leans into what makes this race special: access, flow, and a course that actually feels like an experience rather than a logistical compromise.
This year also came with near-perfect race conditions for the second year in a row. Last year leaned a bit chilly, but rewarded runners with clear blue skies. This year wasn’t quite as crisp, but the slightly warmer temps paired with a mostly overcast sky made for ideal running conditions.
The race starts in downtown Portland, weaving through Old Town before quickly transitioning into its defining feature: bridges. And plenty of them.
Within roughly the first four miles, runners are sent into a sequence that’s hard to replicate anywhere else. Just after mile one of city roads, the field climbs onto the Broadway Bridge, crossing from the west side over to the east. From there, the course runs past the Veterans Memorial Coliseum and Moda Center before looping back across the river via the famed Steel Bridge.
That constant rhythm of crossings is what gives Bridge to Brews its personality. After returning west, runners flow along the waterfront before heading out again—this time over the Morrison Bridge, dipping briefly into the Central Eastside, and then finishing with a final crossing over the Hawthorne Bridge back toward the finish.
The 10K adds a little extra spice with an out-and-back extension near OMSI, stretching the effort just enough to separate the field and add a bit more time in motion.
What stood out most this year, though, wasn’t just the course—it was the execution around it. The volunteers and course direction were top notch. That’s worth calling out, especially after a personal signage issue I experienced in the 2025 edition that clearly wasn’t repeated this time around. Everything felt dialed, clear, and easy to follow, which matters a lot in a course with this many turns and road closures.
And then there’s the vibe, which is really what keeps bringing people back. It’s always striking to see how many different reasons people show up for this race. Some are chasing a PR. Some are out there for a casual run and a bit of movement. Others are just there for a fun morning downtown. And yes, some are very clearly thinking about the beer at the finish. All of it blends together in a way that feels distinctly Portland.
One of the more interesting additions to the event is that this is now the second year of a four-year cohesive medal series, where each finisher medal connects together to ultimately form a larger piece highlighting all of the bridge crossings featured in the race. It’s a small detail, but it adds a longer-term narrative to the event—something that ties each year together beyond just the single day effort.
Bridge to Brews feels like it’s settled into a strong identity again. The course works, the organization is sharp, and the atmosphere continues to be one of its biggest strengths. Check it out—and it’s easy to look forward to seeing how the series continues to evolve next year.
