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The Legendary Cal BrewFest Beer Relay
Teams. Costumes. Obstacles. Beer. Bragging rights.
Every year at the California Brewers Festival, a crowd gathers—beers in hand—to cheer on the wildest, most entertaining event of the day: the Beer Mile Relay.
If you’ve never seen it, here’s what to expect:
- Teams of 2 or 4 runners
- Chug a beer
- Matching costumes and creative team themes
- A short race course inside the festival grounds
- Hundreds of spectators watching and cheering you on
Whether you’re racing for victory or just for fun, this event is packed with energy, competition, and unforgettable moments. Two heats this year means more opportunities to place! Five prize levels for each heat include 1st, 2nd, 3rd, Fastest Split Time, and Best Costume.
How It Works
- The Relay: Each teammate conquers one lap (4-person teams) or two laps (2-person teams).
- Chug & Run: One full beverage consumed per lap—it’s the ultimate test of speed and stomach!
- The Gauntlet: Navigate fun obstacles placed along the route—they must be completed to move on!
- Dress to Impress: Costumes are strongly encouraged! Go big, get creative, and show your team spirit.
- Pro Timing: Every race is officially timed and professionally managed by Capitol Road Race Management (CRRM), so you can settle those “who was faster” debates once and for all.
- Victory: Prizes are awarded for speed, style, and pure spirit!
2025 Beer Relay Recap: Speed, Suds, and Serious Style!
The Beer Relay was back and better than ever at the annual California Brewers Festival! The track at Discovery Park saw incredible speed, plenty of foam, and some truly legendary fashion choices as teams competed for the podium and the prestige.
In the Four-Person Relay, team Mad House took the lead with incredible strategic prowess. They dominated the competition, showcasing a perfect blend of athleticism and beer-drinking talent. A huge shoutout to Clayton Hulsey from Mad House, who clocked the Fastest Split Time of the day!
Not far behind, the Tipsy Mutant Ganja Turtles secured a hard-fought second place with their unique energy, while Hops N’ Rompers rounded out the podium in third, keeping the crowd cheering as they completed their laps.
In our Two-Person Relay, the dynamic duo Chug Buds by Chance proved that teamwork makes the dream work, taking first place. Their runner, Willis Mullen, secured the Fastest Split Time for the division with a display of sheer determination. They were followed by The Blumps in second and the aptly named Dream Team in third.
But as we know, it wasn’t just about speed—it was about style!
- Best Costume (Four-Person): The title went to We Can Brew It!, whose iconic and empowering look captured the hearts of the crowd.
- Best Costume (Two-Person): The hilarious Beat Debbie and Lexie took home the honors for their creative flair and fun presence on the track.
Whether they were the swiftest on the track or the most creatively dressed, every participant embodied the spirit of fun, competition, and community that makes this festival the highlight of the season.
We extend a warm invitation to all runners to return and take on the challenge next year. Start training now—we’ll see you back on the track on September 12th, 2026!
I-Brew Crew
Moose Knuckle
Cold Brews Not Cold Feet
Worthington Brothers*
Tail Gators
Running Late*
The Incredible Drunk
Free Breathalyzer
Neighborhood Watch* (2nd)
Girls Just Want to Have Beer (Best Dressed)
Dirt V’s (1st)
Zone & Bone
Brew Pac!
Tim Walz Is Proud of You, Even If You Come Last
Beakers
Rico Ruff Nex* (3rd)
Beakers 2
Garden Party
Mystic Dragons
Bae-Watch*
Shaknoon
2023 Beer Relay Recap
Last year, the inaugural beer mile relay race proved to be a resounding success and a standout feature at this year's 29th annual California Brewers Festival.
Runners from all walks of life flocked to the event, many donning creative costumes to represent their teams. Taking the lead with sheer 80s flair, the first-place team, Run Like Helles, not only showcased their strategic prowess but also their beer-drinking talents. Dressed head to toe in 80s runner garb, they dominated the competition, strategically positioning their runners for victory.
In a display of sheer athleticism and determination, the second-place team, a dynamic duo, completed two grueling rounds on the quarter-mile track. The constantly shifting topography kept all participants on their toes, while delighted onlookers cheered them on with infectious enthusiasm.
In the Beer Relay Run, it wasn’t just about speed but also style. Beauty and the Beer embodied this sentiment, clinching the title for the best-dressed group with their stunning go-go girl attire. They crossed the finish line together, exemplifying that the race was as much about camaraderie as it was about competition.
Special mention goes to the Dorothy Dashers, who added a touch of whimsy by embodying the iconic characters from the Wizard of Oz. Their presence added a delightful and nostalgic touch to the event.
We extend a warm invitation to all runners to return and take on the challenge next year. Whether you’re the swiftest on the track or the most creatively dressed, the Beer Relay Run at the California Brewfest is all about embracing the spirit of fun, competition, and community.
Step 1
- TEAM CAPTAINS -
Pay for Entry Ticket + Relay Team
on ticket page
Step 2
- CHOOSE AN AWESOME NAME + COSTUMES
Make it punny, make it weird, make it your own!
Step 3
- RUN - DRINK - WIN -
1st, 2nd, 3rd place prizes and all participants receive a relay shirt
The Official Stuff
The Beer Relay is held at Discovery Park during the California Brewers Festival
You were going to come out to the beer fest already so why not add in a team relay? This race will consist of 4 laps. To make this event more fun and a team effort, participants will ALTERNATE on each lap. Each participant gets a SWEET Beer Relay Tee and additional prizes will be awarded to the team with the best costume, and best time.
The cost of the race is only $40 PER TEAM (Up to 4 members, or $10 each).
RULES:
- You need an awesome team name.
- You must finish the entire drink and pour it over your head to prove it’s empty before you run.
- All cups must go in the designated bin
- You must tag your team mate with an awesome high five, belly bump.
- NO DAY-OF REGISTRATION. REGISTER EARLY
BEER RELAY GUIDELINES:
- All participants must be 21 or older
- Participants must have proof of age
- 2 to 4 members per relay team (Minimum of 2 per team)
- Beer must be consumed before starting each leg
- Empty cups must be deposited in the trash. NO LITTERING, please
- Participants must alternate on each lap
- On laps, 2,3, and 4 participants must be tagged by the preceding teammate before beginning their lap
- Unnecessary negative contact with other participants could result in disqualification (beer mile is not a contact sport)
- Mandatory high fives to each other after completing the race
- Most importantly have fun, laugh, and enjoy making memories with your friends
SETTING UP TEAM
Only one person from each team needs to add the “BEER RELAY” from the ticket page and initially set up their team, enter personal information including shirt size for your Beer Relay Shirt, and pay the one-time fee. Only the person setting up the team will pay the fee.
EACH TEAM HAS TO HAVE AT LEAST TWO MEMBERS TO PARTICIPATE ON RACE DAY. Captains of each team will be able to add and remove members until registration ends by e-mailing [email protected]