Spring has finally sprung in these parts, and on Saturday, May 19, 2018, the Craft Brew Races, Stowe Edition, drew several hundred eager runners and beer enthusiasts for the 5th annual rendition of the festival … and this year, the Cicerone was on hand to observe and report. No running and no drinking for this reporter … except for the several (I lost count) beer samples.
And, oh, what a fine day the runners had … not too hot, not too cool, not too sunny … for the beautiful 5K course that begins and ends at the Stowflake Mountain Resort, running out along a golf club and then back next to a rolling Vermont brook. These were certainly not your typical long-distance marathoners, what with the beer angle and everything, but still I was impressed by the wide range of ages and body-types participating. The typical finishing times were logged between 20 and 30 minutes.
After the race, it was on to the reward! A host of Vermont craft beer brewers, some other well-know brewers from around the US (and Canada), some food trucks (nice touch), a few arts vendors, and, of course, some live music. The thirsty racers thronged the field, filling and re-filling their little cups of beer. I did my part too, hitting up some local Vermont favorites, including Rock Art Brewery, Red Barn Brewing, Idletyme Brewing, and Frost Beer Works. I also “discovered” two new favorites, Collective Arts Brewing from Hamilton, Ontario, and Stone Brewing from Richmond, Virginia.
The organizers of Craft Brew Races put on a great event … check out their site for upcoming events in Newport, Rhode Island and Portland, Maine.
The Cicerone says: what a fun event! A little bit of exercise (the Cicerone may even run next year), followed by some healthy carbs and socializing. Also a great opportunity to discover some far-away breweries.