Published April 15, 2020
BOSTON — Harpoon Brewery has announced it is hosting its annual five-mile road race virtually for the first time this year.
Due to COVID-19, Harpoon invites participants to run or walk five miles on a course of their choosing and according to recommended precautions on May 17. People can walk a treadmill if they choose.
Each year, the race benefits The Angel Fund, an independent non-profit charity that supports ALS research at the Cecil B. Day Laboratory for Neuromuscular Research at UMass Medical School in Worcester. Harpoon has raised over $2.1 million for The Angel Fund to date, but there’s more to be done. The COVID-19 environment creates even greater challenges for ALS patients, their loved ones and the incredible people who treat them and search for cures.
Since the race will be virtual, it will allow an unlimited number of entrants from all over the country to participate, offering the potential to have an even greater fundraising impact.
“Like many breweries, COVID-19 has made us rethink or postpone many of our annual events, but we did not want it to stop us from raising money for a cause that is so important to us at Harpoon,” said Harpoon Brewery CEO and co-founder Dan Kenary. “We are thrilled that our employee owners were able to find a way to make this annual race work in a safe and fun way that invites everyone to come together – even while apart – to support The Angel Fund.”
Runners are encouraged to share a “selfie” or photo of themselves on social media with #Harpoon5miler on race day to show how the community of runners across the country has come together to raise money for ALS research. Participants will also be able to listen to an official race playlist provided by DJ Steve Greco, of 343 Productions, while on their routes.
For those interested in participating, virtual race registration opened on April 9. Participants have various options when registering:
• Tier 1, 6-Pack Level (before May 8): Registration fee is $15 and includes a race bib sent via email, chances to win prizes, and a virtual race bag with discounts and coupons from local partners.
• Tier 2, 12-Pack Level (before May 8): Registration fee is $35 and includes a special race packet that contains a race bib and shirt, a four pack of Harpoon IPA or Harpoon Rec. League, virtual partner discounts/coupons, and a Friday night pass to HarpoonFest, which will be held later this summer. Tier 2 race packets must be picked up curbside at Harpoon Brewery two weeks before the race; pickup windows will be announced on May 1.
To support local bars and restaurants, Harpoon is including coupons from on-premise partners in all race bags to encourage takeout orders while bars and restaurants remain closed to sit-in service.
For more details, visit www.harpoon5miler.com.
About Harpoon Brewery
Beer lovers who wanted more and better beer options founded the Harpoon Brewery in 1986. When the Brewery was founded, the Commonwealth of Massachusetts issued Brewing Permit #001 Harpoon, since it was the first to brew commercially in Boston after a dormant period of about 25 years. Since then, it has expanded to a second location in Windsor, Vermont.
Harpoon’s line of craft beer features its award-winning IPA and seasonal beers, along with special limited releases. In 2014, Harpoon became an employee-owned company.
