Disclaimer: I am currently a Race Ambassador for the Craft Classic Race Series and an affiliate for Road Runner Sports.
In 2016, Road Runner Sports hosted the inaugural Craft Classic race series in San Diego, Phoenix, and Atlanta. Due to their success, the Craft Classic is officially back for 2017! Last summer, I had a blast during my birthday weekend getaway to San Diego and sincerely hope to be able to make it to another race in 2017 – not making any firm race dates quite yet since we have another move headed our way this summer!
Here are my top 5 reasons why you need to add the Craft Classic to your calendar this year!
Swag Galore: Participants in both the half marathon and 5K races received a ‘On A Beer Run’ soft cotton shirt or tank top, sunglasses, a commemorative beer glass and amazing bottle-opener race medal! 
Plus, the bibs were quirky! Who doesn’t love a fun personalized bib?! Fingers crossed for something just as fun in 2017!
Free Race Photos: As runners, I think it is safe to say that we all love when races provide free race photos. Aside from the race photos, at the post-race party, Craft Classic staged an area for photo-ops with cases of beer and props. Valerie and I had to snap a couple shots to commemorate our hard earned finish!
Nuun on Course: As a proud member of Team Nuun, I am clearly on the Nuun train and loved having Nuun active at all of the hydration stations to keep the electrolytes flowing. I really hope that Nuun is back on course in 2017!
Location, location, location: With locations in San Diego, Seattle, Phoenix (and hopefully Atlanta in 2017), Craft Classic finds itself in some of my favorite race locations. Fingers crossed that successes in 2017 lead to even more expansion for the series. I mean, let’s be honest, beer and running just goes together.
Make a Beerline to the finish! When I ran the San Diego event, especially with the humidity and warm temperatures, the post-race festivities were serious motivation to cross the finish line. Each runner is provided with 4 tickets to use at the post-race party. You will receive a “full” beer, two “full” tasters or four “half” tasters. The beer is spread throughout the after party. My advice is to preview the tents to find the beers you enjoy the most! Craft beer is provided by the beer aficionados at Green Flash Brewing for San Diego, Redhook Brewery for Seattle, and Huss Brewing for the Phoenix event.
Plus, if you are in it to win it, the top male and female Craft Classic Half Marathon finishers will WIN THEIR WEIGHT IN BEER!
Dates and locations for the Road Runner Sports Craft Classic Races are up! Drum roll please….
In 2017, races will be held in:
San Diego – 7/16
Seattle – 9/10
Phoenix – 10/15
Atlanta – TBD
Craft Classic is offering tiered pricing. That means, the faster you sign up, the better the price!
Please feel free to share my Craft Classic discount codes!
CUPCAKES5K – $5 off 5K
CUPCAKESHALF – $10 off Half Marathon
So, where will you run for beer?
Lisa
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Disclaimer: I am currently a Race Ambassador for the Craft Classic Race Series and an Affiliate for Road Runner Sports.
I missed the ATL date last year for some reason, but really hope I can run it this year! Also, I can usually talk the Mr. into running a 5k with me so I hope they announce the date soon ish.
Alaina @ The Simple Peach recently posted…Currently: BCAAs, BB Cream, British Bake Off + More
I’m moving to Georgia this year (thanks Army!) so I really hope that they bring back the ATL dates! I’m keeping my fingers crossed.
Lisa recently posted…prAna Review & Discount: Let’s #spring4prAna!
This sounds like SUCH a fun race and we LOVE Road Runner Sports. I wish it were a little closer to home though! I don’t know if I could talk the husband into ANOTHER racecation.
Heather @ 3 Black Cat Co. recently posted…Friday Five: Favorite Podcasts
As a reformed queen of race vacations, I understand. I had serious FOMO for a few years and now I’ve calmed down my race schedule… mostly because of work and moving lots with the military. But, I like to pick somewhere fun to go once a year and then build my race calendar around wherever we happen to be located!
Lisa recently posted…2017 Road Runner Sports Craft Classic – Coming Soon!
This sounds like such a fun race! I wish there was one closer to Maryland!
Me too! I really hope they bring it to the East Coast! We are currently living all over the place (thanks Army) but I’m an East Coast gal through and through.
Lisa recently posted…2017 Road Runner Sports Craft Classic – Coming Soon!
I wish this race series was closer to me looks like a blast!
Deborah @ Confessions of a mother runner recently posted…STELLAr Week At The Ranch & Balega Giveaway
I with that the race had a location near me – I would totally run it!