Chasing Pints Brewery Running Series Returns to Western North Carolina in 2026
Seven Races. Six Breweries. One Epic Running Adventure.
Registration Opens Today!
After taking a hiatus in 2025, Western North Carolina’s only brewery running series is officially BACK! Starting December 1st, 2025, runners can register for the 2026 Chasing Pints Running Series – a celebration of craft beer, mountain running, and community resilience across Asheville, Hendersonville, Nebo, and Brevard.
Your Ultimate Brewery Running Experience
The Chasing Pints Running Series isn’t just about racking up miles – it’s about discovering new breweries, challenging yourself with scenic courses, and celebrating your achievements with craft brews from six unique brewery partners. Each race offers something special, from flat greenway courses to scenic mountain trails, with distances ranging from kids fun run dashes to a half marathon. Every race includes a 5k for your 5k warriors.
Every registration includes:
- Complimentary post-race beer (21+) or non-alcoholic option
- Custom-designed race t-shirt
- Chip-timed race
- Unique finisher medal
But here’s the best part: Complete six of the seven races to become a Six Pack Runner and earn a custom, personalized Chasing Pints beer stein! Just register for at least six races before September 1st, 2026, and a personalized engraved stein is yours.
Spring Racing Kicks Off Our Brewery Running Series at Trailside Brewing
St. Paddy’s Day 5K & Wee One Miler | March 14, 2026
Start your brewery racing adventure at Trailside Brewing in Hendersonville! One of Hendersonville’s newest craft breweries, Trailside sits right on the new Ecusta Trail Greenway – a 19.4-mile greenway connecting Brevard to Hendersonville. The brewery’s location in a renovated old factory gives it a unique character, and its proximity to downtown Hendersonville makes it the perfect spot to celebrate St. Paddy’s Day with a fast, flat race.
Lake James 7 Miler & 5K | April 4, 2026
Head to Nebo for stunning mountain views at Fonta Flora Brewery’s charming Whippoorwill Farm. The trails from Lake James State Park connect directly to the brewery and run smoothly alongside the lake. Surrounded by Linville Gorge and Shortoff Mountain, the stunning backdrop makes Fonta Flora a great place to celebrate a race finish. Choose your challenge – 7 miles or 5K – and finish at one of Western North Carolina’s most picturesque brewery locations.
Beer City 20K Relay & 5K | May 23, 2026
It’s Asheville Beer Week, and we’re celebrating at New Belgium Brewing in Beer City USA! This unique race offers multiple options: run as a team of four with each member completing a 5K, tackle a 10K relay solo, or join us for the standalone 5K. Located in the heart of the River Arts District, New Belgium’s Liquid Center sits right on the greenway with beautiful river views. Their facility tours and diverse tap selection make this a perfect race day destination.
Summer Session Racing on the Ecusta Trail
Summer Session 10K & 5K | June 27, 2026
Return to Trailside Brewing for summer! Kick off the season with your choice of 5K or 10K on Hendersonville’s scenic Ecusta Trail. The fast and flat greenway course is perfect for chasing PRs in the summer sunshine, and the post-race brews at Trailside’s adventure-focused brewery hit differently when you’ve earned them.
Fall Racing Celebrates Mountain Communities
Oktoberfest Half Marathon & 5K | October 3, 2026
Celebrate Oktoberfest season at Hi-Wire Brewing’s River Arts District Beer Garden! This Asheville favorite features vibrant graffiti art, circus-themed decor, and miles of River Arts greenway access. Run along the beautiful French Broad River, then celebrate at Hi-Wire’s indoor bar with carnival-style games including ping pong, corn hole, shuffle board, & pinball. Don’t forget to grab food from a local food truck daily!
Wicked Spooky 5K | October 31, 2026
Downtown Asheville’s favorite Halloween run returns! Get dressed up in your best costume and run through Asheville’s South Slope neighborhood to Wicked Weed’s Funkatorium. Located in the heart of downtown, the Funktatorium is a must-visit destination with multiple themed bars (both indoor and outdoor), delicious food options, and an extensive craft brew list. This is Halloween running at its finest.
Bear Country 5K & 10K | November 14, 2026
Close out the series in the beautiful mountain town of Brevard at Oskar Blues Brewery. Surrounded by scenic views, farmland, and the vast Pisgah Forest, Oskar Blues is the perfect post-race (or post-hike) hangout spot. Grab food from their permanent ChubWagon food truck, enjoy their craft beers, and celebrate completing the Chasing Pints series! The brewery connects to miles of Brevard greenway.
Can’t Make Every Race? No Problem!
Life happens, and we get it. That’s why we offer virtual race options for any race you’ll miss! Virtual races count toward your series total and Six Pack Runner status. Just register for the virtual option in the same transaction as your other races, and we’ll ship your swag after the race. (Note: Virtual runners aren’t eligible for individual race awards, but you’ll still earn that coveted beer stein!)
Register Today for the Complete Brewery Running Series
Ready to chase pints across Western North Carolina? Registration is open NOW at chasingpintsraces.com! Whether you register for individual races or commit to the full series, you’re supporting the resilience of our mountain communities and celebrating the return of WNC’s favorite brewery running tradition.
Register before September 1st, 2026, for six races and secure your personalized beer stein!
Join us as we lace up and raise a glass to running, community, and the incredible craft beer culture that makes Western North Carolina such a special place to explore on foot. The 2026 Chasing Pints Running Series promises unforgettable experiences, new brewery discoveries, and plenty of reasons to celebrate.
See you at the starting line (and the finish line taps)!
About Kick It Events
Kick It Events organizes premier running races throughout Western North Carolina, including the Chasing Pints Brewery Racing Series. We’re dedicated to creating memorable race experiences that showcase the natural beauty and vibrant communities of the Asheville area and beyond.
For more information about the Chasing Pints series and other Kick It Events races, visit kickitevents.com or follow us on social media.
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