Chasing Pints ~ Brewery Racing Series

New Series Starts December 2026!!!

Chasing Pints Running Series

Join us for Western North Carolina’s newest way to race to the taps.

6 Unique Breweries ~ 6 Unique Races

Asheville ~ Hendersonville ~ Nebo ~ Brevard

After taking a hiatus from the series in 2025 (thanks to Helene) we are beyond excited to announce that WNC’s only brewery running series is BACK!

The 2026 Chasing Pints Running Series includes six different brewery races across Western North Carolina with a variety of distances to accommodate runners of all levels! Whether you’re a casual jogger looking for a fun 5K or a seasoned runner ready to tackle longer distances, we’ve got something for everyone. Each race showcases the unique character and craft beer culture that makes Western North Carolina such a special place to run and explore.

Discover new breweries nestled in our beautiful mountain communities, challenge yourself with scenic courses through the region’s stunning landscapes, and celebrate your accomplishments at the finish line with craft brews from each partner brewery.

Every race in this series includes a complimentary post-race beer (or non-alcoholic option) in your registration for runners 21+, plus a custom-designed race t-shirt and unique finisher medal to commemorate your achievement. But here’s where it gets really exciting – complete all six races to become a Six Pack Runner and unlock exclusive prizes, special recognition, and bragging rights as one of WNC’s most dedicated brewery runners!

Join us as we celebrate the resilience of our mountain communities and the return of the series. Whether you’re chasing personal records, exploring new breweries, or simply enjoying the camaraderie of fellow runners, the 2026 Chasing Pints Running Series promises unforgettable experiences across the beautiful landscapes of Western North Carolina.

Ready to lace up and raise a glass? Registration opens December 1st– stay tuned for race dates, locations, and registration details!

Race Overview

Spring Races

This series starts with a beautiful trail run along Lake James in Nebo, NC at the Fonta Flora Brewery on the Whippoorwill Farm in April. Choose from a 7 mile or 5k course, or a challenging trail Half Marathon!

Then we move to the western banks of the French Broad River with the 5th annual Beer City Relay at New Belgium Brewing in May. Choose to run with a relay team a 5k or 10k or be a solo runner of either distance.

Summer Races

We’ll kick the summer off with our Summer Session Races in June at the Trailside Brewery in Hendersonville. In 2026 we are excited to hit the brand new Ecusta Trail.

Fall Races

The capstone of the series in September, the Oktoberfest Half Marathon & 5k will run along Asheville’s beautiful French Broad River as it starts and end at Hi-Wire Brewing’s sweet River Arts District Beer Garden.

Runners will get dressed up and in to the Halloween spirit at the Wicked Spooky 5k. What more perfect way to celebrate the Halloween season than to run in the fall through South Slope on your way back to Wicked Weed’s Funktatorium.

Finally, we will celebrate the end of our 2025 brewery tour in October at Oskar Blues Brewing Brevard location in November with the Bear Country Races. Choose from the 5k or 10k distances.

Lake James Races - April — Lake James Races – April

Beer City Relay - May — Beer City Relay – May

Summer Session Races - June — Summer Session Races – June

Oktoberfest Half Marathon & 5k - September — Oktoberfest Half Marathon & 5k – September

Wicked Spooky 5k - Chasing Pints Gallery — Wicked Spooky 5k – Oktober

Bear Coutry Races - November — Bear Coutry Races – November

Lake James Races

Beer City Relay & 5k

Summer Session 5k

Oktoberfest Half Marathon & 5k

Wicked Spooky 5k

Bear Country 5k & 10k

Become a Six Pack Runner!

We’d love to have you complete the full 2026 brewery tour and run all 6 races with us.

Register BEFORE September 1st, 2026, for all six of the races and we’ve got a some gifts for you! A special a race series medal, and a long sleeved Chasing Pints tshirt.

Virtual Options Available!

If you are out of town for a race but still wish to be included in the Chasing Pint series, choose a virtual option for the race you’ll miss! Virtual race options are available and will be counted towards the series total. All registrations must be made in the same transaction. Virtual runners will not be eligible for individual race awards. Swag will be shipped out after the race.

Full Race Schedule Register for the Series