Craft Beer Half Marathon - Relay & 5 Miler

North Carolinas BEST SPRING HALF MARATHON celebrating running and Craft Beer! 

 

Running is your Craft!  Join us for the Charlotte's Premier Spring Race...the 8th Annual Craft Beer Half Marathon & 5 Miler presented by Ivy Rehab is on March 28, 2026.  Celebrate running and the HUGE Charlotte Craft Beer scene with fantastic course through miles of the greenway in North Charlotte.  The Half Marathon will run on HALF Greenway and HALF roads.  This event has SOLD OUT all 7 years, so register early. The Half Marathon & 5 Miler will only accept 2,000 runners. 

 

REGISTER NOW to guarantee your spot! Check Out our TRAINING PLANS

 

Run the race and stay for the FREE beer. Local breweries will have beer.

 

Race Start Times:

 

The Craft Beer Half Marathon, starts and finishes at Brixham Park in the Ballantyne area of Charlotte, NC - 15810 Ballantyne Medical Pl, Charlotte, NC 28277

 

Saturday, March 28, 2026

 

8:00 AM – HALF MARATHON & 5 MILER

 

What do I get for participating?

 

The Most Swag for any Half Marathon in the area!

• Long Sleeve Shirt
• Custom Bibs with your name on it
• Medal Coaster Finisher Medals (do this race 4 times and you’ll have a set of coasters)
• Pint Glasses for the first 1,000 registered - Half Marathon participants only
• Can/bottle Koozies for all Half Marathon participants only while supplies last
• Drink ticket to local brews

 

Now that is a TON OF SWAG!

 

Packet Pick Up:  You can pick up for friends and family.  NO RACE DAY PACKET PICK UP...unless you purchased Will Call.

Thursday, March 26, 2026; 11PM – 3:00PM

Charlotte Running Company - Promenade

5355 Ballantyne Commons Parkway

Charlotte, NC 28277

 

Friday, March 27, 2026; 2PM - 8PM ----  PACKET PICK UP PARTY

OMB Ballantyne

15025 Bowl St,

Charlotte, NC 28277

For more information on Packet Pick Up and the PARTY, click HERE

 

WILL CALL PACKET PICK UP (for those who purchased it only) *Registration for Will Call ends on March 20th

Race Day - 7:00am-7:45am

 

Course:

This Half Marathon is HALF on the roads and HALF on the beautiful greenway paved trails. 

*START - We will stage the start at Brixham Park.  Your official time will be based off of your chip time (from when you cross the start mat until you cross the finish mat), so no need to panic at the start...we promise there will be beer left for you at the finish.  HA!

Course Maps

 

Pacers:

We are excited to have the Charlotte Running Club Pace Team.  Pace groups will be 1:35, 1:45, 2:00, 2:15, 2:30, 2:45, and 3:00.  You do not need to sign up for a group, just show up to the start line and look for the pacer signs.  If you would like to become a Pacer please email easzman@gmail.com

 

Training Plans:

We are excited to partner with Charlotte Running Company to provide training plans for our athletes....AND some FREE SWAG!

Coached Group Run Opportunities on Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays each week

More Info HERE

 

Timing:

We have partnered with Start 2 Finish. All Half Marathon and 5 Miler participants will be timed and will receive their disposable timing tag during packet pick up.

 

Bag Check:

There will NOT be a bag check at this years event.

 

T-Shirts:

Every participant will be guaranteed a race shirt that signed up before March 15th. You will have a choice between long sleeve or short sleeve. Shirts are ordered based on the sizes indicated during online registration.
NO SWITCHING SIZES – NO EXCEPTIONS!

 

Virtual Runner:

Couldn’t get into the race this year or you couldn’t make it to the race?  Maybe the time limit for the course closure is an issue for you.  We have you covered…VIRTUAL RUNNER!  See Details HERE

 

Divisions:

Overall, Masters, 12 and under, 13-18, 19-24, 25-29, 30-34, 35-39, 40-44, 45-49, 50-54, 55-59, 60-64, 65-69, 70-74, 75+.

 

Awards:

Top 3 Males and Females overall and Top 1 in all divisions will receive awards. 

 

Claiming Awards:

As results become available, runners will be able to claim their awards at the awards ceremony prior to the last participant finishing. We do NOT ship unclaimed awards.  As an effort to highlight the local running stores and all they do for our community, awards will be gift certificates from the local Run For Your Life Stores.  

NOTE: Sisu Events reserves the right to add/delete categories and awards prior to race based on participation.

 

Refunds and Transfers:

Registration fees are non-refundable. Event registrations are non-transferable between individuals, events, or years.

 

Time Limit:

There is a 3:00 hour time limit (13:45 mile pace) in the Half Marathon and a 1:15min time limit in the 5 Miler (15min mile pace).  In order to comply with the agreement with the City of Charlotte, streets comprising the route must be reopened to vehicular traffic on a set schedule.

 

Dogs and Strollers:

Dogs and Strollers will NOT be allowed.

 

Medic/First Aid:

Should you need medical attention at the finish line, let a volunteer know and you’ll be escorted to the medical tent located very close to the finish line. There will be a medical tent located at the finish line in case of emergency or any minor medical needs. Announcements can always be made at the DJ booth as well. Any life threatening problems should call 911.

 

Water Stops & Potties:

There will be 6 water stops for the Half Marathon and 2 water stops for the 5 Miler.  There will be Potties located on the course for the Half Marathoners; Mile 2.5, Mile 4.5, Mile 6.5, Mile 8.5, Mile 10, and Mile 12.

We will provide a water bottle at the finish line AFTER the race. DO NOT get a water bottle before the race or there will not be any available to the rest of the runners.

 

Weather Policy:

Races are held, rain or shine, unless Sisu Events determines that conditions are too dangerous. This will be based on a prudent decision made on race weekend or race day by Sisu Events and local law enforcement officials. If the race is canceled due to inclement weather there will be neither refunds nor transfers. This position is consistent with USA Track & Field recommendations and with the protocol of sharing the risks associated with the sport of running. In the event of inclement weather or unforeseen circumstances, Sisu Events reserves the right to alter, cancel or eliminate any/all portions of the race.

 

Expo:

BRING YOUR OWN WATER TO THE START.  We will have water bottles for you AFTER the race.

At the Craft Beer Half Expo you will find exhibitors, great giveaways from our sponsors, and best of all, BEER from a ton of the areas best breweries. Local breweries will have beer to sample…must be 21 years of age. The Expo starts at 8:30 and ends around 12 pm.  Use your free pint glass and sample.  Food and Beverage not covered under USATF Sanction.

 

Entertainment:

We are excited to have LIVE music from Thirsty Horses Band at the Start and Finish line to energize the runners and maintain the fun!

 

 

 

CRAFT BEER HALF MARATHON

 

Welcome to the CRAFT BEER HALF MARATHON reservation site!

 

Hotel near the race start/finish:

Staybridge Suites

Friday, March 27, 2026 - Sunday, March 29, 2026. The special room rate will be available until March 15th or until the group block is sold-out, whichever comes first.

$129.00 USD per night

Enter the group code : CB1

BOOK HERE

 

Courtyard by Marriott - Ballantyne

Friday, March 27, 2026 - Sunday, March 29, 2026. The special room rate will be available until March 15th or until the group block is sold-out, whichever comes first.

Priced at 149.00 USD per night

Book your group rate for Craft Beer Half Marathon

 

Matt Paul - Sycamore Brew Run Club

Matt Paul was born in the Western suburbs of Chicago and later lived in Dayton, Ohio where he began his running career. After moving to Charlotte a little over 5 years ago Matt tried many different running groups, ultimately finding his home in the Sycamore Run Club. Coming out of COVID in 2020, the club needed a new leader and Matt took over the role, which he still holds today.

Matt never ran as a child or teenager and only took up running 7-8 years ago while living in Ohio as a means to lose weight. Matt is very proud to say that he has lost over 60 pounds with running as his primary form of exercise once he got started.

On a personal level, Matt is an avid Toronto Maple Leafs fan and travels frequently. Ask him about Barcelona, upstate New York, or what it's like being one of only 20 people in empty Legoland park in Denmark!

Find Matt @sycamorerunclub and @mmattyp241

Josh Hanson - Town Brewing Run Club

My name is Josh, and I started running during one of the most challenging periods of my life. In 2021, I faced mysterious health problems that severely limited my ability to exercise. Hoping that embracing fitness could positively impact my health, I began running at Town Brewing in Westside Charlotte. Through my connection with the run club, I ended up winning in the "The First Ever Run Club Bingo" event hosted by Simple Stupid Nutrition. This win ignited my passion for running longer distances and improving my speed.

Today, I attribute much of my improved health and positive outlook on life to the various Charlotte-based run clubs that facilitated my connection within the Charlotte running community. I have since participated in several half marathons, and in 2024, I am determined to complete my first full marathon. Whether on race days or at one of the numerous F3 men's groups in the northern suburbs, I look forward to crossing paths with you on the streets.

Find Josh on Instagram at @runthistownclt and @jo.hanson59

Chris Kelly - Birdsong Run Club

I got started running with cross country in high school and ended up running for Appalachian State here in North Carolina. I started with Birdsong run club to connect with old friends and get back in shape to run a half marathon. Now I lead the club with Megan and it’s been a blast meeting new friends and watching our club grow! We are extremely grateful for our run club community and can’t wait to toe the line with everyone in March.

Find Chris on Instagram @birdsongrunclub

We leave the selection of brews to the discretion of each brewery.  Some will have cans others will pour.  We give you each drink ticket/s and a cup.  If you want more, you may be able to purchase some from the brewery.

BREWS:

🍺Brewers at 4001 Yancey

🍺Birdsong Brewing

🍺Heist Brewing

🍺Lenny Boy Brewing 

🍺Lost Worlds Brewing 

🍺NoDa Brewing

🍺Olde Mecklenburg Brewing

🍺Town Brewing Co.

🍺Gilde Brewing Co.

Joggers for Lagers – Amor Artis Brewery, Fort Mill - Every Monday at 6:30 PM

Armored Calves Run Club - Armored Cow Brewing - Every Tuesday at 6:30 PM

OMB Run Club - Olde Mecklenburg Brewing - Every Tuesday at 6:30 PM

NoDa Brewing Run Club - NoDa Brewing - Every Wednesday at 6:30 PM

Birdsong Run Club - Bird Song Brewing - Every Thursday at 6:30 PM

 

This Half Marathon is HALF on the roads and HALF on the beautiful greenway paved trails. 

*START - We will stage the start at Brixham Park. Your official time will be based off of your chip time (from when you cross the start mat until you cross the finish mat), so no need to panic at the start...we promise there will be beer left for you at the finish.  HA!

Runners will head out from Brixham Park and turn right onto Ballantyne Corporate Place.  Runners will then make a loop on Upper and Lower Avenue and at about the 2.7 mile mark, runners will enter the greenway and enjoy a beautiful run through the woods on the paved McAlpine Greenway trails.  The 5 milers will turn around on the trail and head back to the finish.  The half marathoners will turn around at about the halfway point  and then at 8.5 exit the greenway onto neighborhood roads.  At Mile 10 runners will re-enter the greenway and head towards the finish. Time to celebrate with a ton of different local craft beers.  RUN LOCAL, DRINK LOCAL

HALF MARATHON -

MapMyRun

5 MILER 

MapMyRun

INCLEMENT WEATHER POLICY

The event organizers and CDOT reserve the right to alter or cancel the event due to inclement weather if conditions are deemed to be unsafe.  Please note refunds will not be issued in the event of a weather-related cancellation.  If you are at the race start when it is cancelled, you will be able to get your finisher medal and any additional items.

COMMUNICATION & WEATHER ACTION PLAN

Communication:
Announcements will be made over the PA system at the event. As we are able, we will communicate delays and schedule updates on Facebook, Instagram, and email. Please follow @craftbeerhalfmarathon for real-time updates.

Weather Procedures:
If lightning is detected within 20 miles of the venue we’ll enter into a “Heads Up” mode, watching the weather pattern to see if the lightning is moving towards the venue.

If lightning is detected within 10 miles or less we will begin safety procedures and encourage participants and spectators to seek shelter. The course and Athletes’ Village area (including the tent area) must be completely cleared by the time lightning is within 6 miles.
The start will be delayed until the storm has passed or 30 minutes after the last lightning strike is detected at a distance greater than or equal to 10 miles. We’ll do our best to communicate a “restart time” giving athletes adequate time to get warmed up and to the starting line.

Thursday, March 26, 2026; 11:00PM – 3:00PM

Charlotte Running Company - Promenade
5355 Ballantyne Commons Pkwy, Suite 200
Charlotte, NC 28277

*You can pick up for friends or family

 

Friday, March 27, 2026; 2PM - 8PM ----  PACKET PICK UP PARTY

OMB Ballantyne

15025 Bowl St, Charlotte, NC 28277

This race just keeps getting better.  We are excited to announce that OMB Ballantyne will be hosting our pre-race packet pick up party!  

 

Packet Pick Up Party Schedule:  March 27th 2PM-8PM

*Packet Pick Up Opens:  2PM
*Packet Pick up Closes:  8PM
*Stay and party as long as you want!

 

Will Call

If you are unable to pick up on Thursday or Friday and need to get it on race morning, you can purchase "Will Call" for $10 and we will have it for you at the start/finish line.  You can purchase Will Call until March 20th HERE

We highly encourage you to CARPOOL to ensure you get a spot to park. 

There will be multiple corporate lots to park in around Brixham Park.  Please avoid parking in the Sara's YMCA lot because they will have members coming in.

The biggest lot is at 11215 Rushmore Dr, Charlotte, NC 28277

There is also a lot that is closer to the park at 14215 Ballantyne Corporate Pl
Charlotte, NC  28277
United States

 

 

 

We are excited to offer a relay for the half marathon.  The relay team will consist of 3 or less people.  We tried to get this as close as we could to a 10K and two 5K's or if two people want to do the relay then it will be close to (2) 10K's and still have a place for you all to park while you wait for the exchange.

 

1st Leg:  Approximately 6.33 Miles - (This is Water Stop #4 and the turn around point for the Half Marathon) Park at Four Mile Creek Greenway - 5803 Bevington Pl, Charlotte, NC 28277

 

2nd leg:  Approximately 3.43 Miles - (This is a Water Stop) - Park on Tifton Rd - 8316 Tifton Rd, Charlotte, NC 28226

 

3rd Leg:  Approximately 3.32 Miles - Finish

 

Team Relay information:

How do I register/create a relay team? The team captain will register themself for a Relay event and Create a New Team. (This person will also pay the registration fee for the entire team). The remaining team members should register themselves for the relay and select Join an Existing Team.

 

Packet Pick Up: Relay team members can go to packet pick up and get their swag.  The team captain will pick up the timing tag on race morning at the timing/results tent.

 

There is NO packet pick up the day of the race.

 

Timing Tag:  Included in your relay packet is a timing tag.  The person running the initial leg (start) of the race should be the first person carrying the timing tag.  Once the active runner reaches the exchange zone, the tag should be transferred to the next active runner, who will then run with it for their leg of the race.  This process will repeat for each leg of the race.  

The timing tag MUST be turned in at the finish line prior to receiving relay finisher medals. 

 

Exchange Zone Procedures:  Please allow plenty of time to get to your relay exchange zone and find parking.  Runners will be responsible for finding their teammate as they enter the exchange zone so be on the look out for them coming up the greenway path towards you. Please be in a position to receive the timing tag from your teammate and to avoid other runners.

Make sure your relay team has a good idea of pacing for each relay leg.  Streets will be difficult to navigate due to race closures, but you should be able to navigate to each exchange zone with time to spare. 

 

Exchange Zone Map:

Runners are responsible for parking appropriately and getting to the relay exchange zone.  There will be a GREEN REALY SIGN to designate the exchange zone.

 

Thirsty Horses is a rock/pop/country rock cover band based in Charlotte, NC.

Founded in 2006, the band has performed all over the Carolinas and Virginia at various live music venues, bars, festivals and private events. The Horses perform regularly as a duo, trio and 4-piece full-band in addition to Brett Milstead's solo performances. The group covers a wide range of material, from the 60s through the hits of today.

Having an extensive songlist allows the band to tailor each show's setlist to the audience and venue.

The aim is simple: play songs people know and want to sing along & dance to!

Whether you're a child of the 60s, rocked out in the 70s & 80s or grew up with the music of the 90s and 2000s, the Horses have something for you!

Thirsty Horses are:

Brett Milstead - vocals & guitar

Levi Castle - lead guitar & vocals

Luke Barnette - bass

Fred Banner - bass

Chris McKinney - drums

------------------------------------------------

Check them out... HERE

Instagram is @thirstyhorsesmusic

We are excited to partner with Charlotte Running Company  to provide training plans for our athletes....AND some FREE SWAG!

Coached Group Run Opportunities on Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays each week

$69 Registration Cost includes;

• Training Plans
• Group Runs (including water coolers for all long runs)
• Short sleeve tech tee
• Technical running socks
• Yoga for Runners classes
• Injury Prevention Clinics
• CRC store discount for the duration of the training season.

Check out more information HERE.

Couldn’t get into the race this year or you couldn’t make it to the race?  Maybe the time limit for the course closure is an issue for you.  We have you covered…VIRTUAL RUNNER!

Run virtually from anywhere across the country.

The Craft Beer Half Marathon Virtual Running opportunity allows you to participate in the race remotely!

Virtual Running? What’s that?

The virtual running opportunity allows runners to run the event remotely & still receive your Craft Beer Half Marathon Shirt, Finisher Medal, and Custom Bib in the mail AFTER the event.

What do I have to do to earn my finisher medal, bragging rights, awards, etc.?

Sign up as a Virtual Runner via our registration page & go for a run between March 26 and April 1 wherever you are located.

Can I run from anywhere in the world?

Virtual runners can run anywhere in the world, however the Virtual Runner registration fee only includes shipping of your Craft Beer Half Marathon Shirt, Finisher Medal, and Custom Bib to an address located in the United States.

What’s the deadline to sign up to be a Virtual Runner?

The Virtual Runner registration will close on March 15th! Once online registration is closed, you may NOT sign up to run virtually. If for some reason you are registered to be physically present to run the event and are unable to attend due to a last minute conflict or emergency, we will not be able to mail your race items.

Who can sign up to run virtually?

Anyone is eligible to sign up to be a Virtual Runner. REGISTER HERE

How do I submit my run?

You can upload your Virtual Run results on our 'Results' page.  HERE  Your run must take place between March 26 and April 1

What kind of SWAG do I get for being a Virtual Runner?

You still receive your Craft Beer Half Marathon Shirt, Finisher Medal, and Custom Bib in the mail AFTER the event.

Can I still receive an Age Group Award if I’ve earned it based on how fast I complete my course (wherever in the world I may be)?

No; Age Group Awards will only be awarded to those who’ve earned them on site at the Craft Beer Marathon.

I’ve signed up to run the Craft Beer Half Marathon in-person, but something’s come up–can I run virtually instead?

Yes, but you’d have to transfer in to be a Virtual Runner by March 15th.

**Virtual Runner t-shirts can be picked up at packet pick up locations or on race day or will be mailed after race day. Virtual Runners will join from their location but are not eligible for timing or prizes at the event. Correct t-shirt size and race t-shirt are only guaranteed if registered by March 15th. 

Waitlist

In the event that the race/s sell out…which they typically do, you can always sign up to be on the waitlist.  This means, if someone defers or switches races, a slot will open up.  You will have 24 hours to claim your spot or it will move on to the next person in line.

Deferral Policy

You may only defer to and from the same event: 2025 Craft Beer Half Marathon to 2026 Craft Beer Half Marathon or the 2025 Craft Beer 5 Miler to the 2026 Craft Beer 5 Miler. Refunds will not be issued under any circumstances. You will only be able to defer once and only for the following year. i.e. 2024 can defer to 2025 but not 2026.  

Deferral Fees:

Until March 1st:

Half Marathon – $0
5 Miler - $0

March 1st - March 10:

Half Marathon – $20
5 Miler - $10

For instructions on How to Defer, click HERE

You can claim your 2025 deferred registration.  You must claim your deferral by March 1st.  The defer option can be found by logging on to RunSignUp, navigating to the following:

Profile  > Deferrals > Complete Deferral > Start Transfer

Here is the help guide for participants to claim your deferral>> https://help.runsignup.com/support/solutions/articles/17000062915-defer-registration-claim-deferral

If you do not claim your deferral in time, you will not be able to participate in the race.  Please claim your deferral as soon as possible.

As a reminder from our deferral policy, you will only be allowed to defer once.  You have the option to sign up to run in-person or run virtually.  You will be able to transfer back and forth between in-person and virtual at no additional cost up until the cut off date.

Event Transfer Policy

Since the Half Marathoners get additional swag that is pre-ordered, you may only switch from the Half Marathon to the 5 Miler.  You will not be able to switch from the 5 Miler or Virtual Runner to the Half Marathon.  You can always switch from in-person to Virtual.  If you switch from the Half Marathon to the 5 Miler you will not receive a refund for the difference in pricing.

The deadline to transfer is March 10, 2026 at 11:59 pm

For instructions on How To Transfer, Click HERE

Bib Transfer Policy

There is not an option to transfer bibs.

Refund Policy

There are absolutely NO refunds, even in the event of race cancellation – NO exceptions.

 

5 Miler: T-Shirt

Virtual Runner - 5 Miler: T-Shirt

Half Marathon: T-Shirt

Virtual Runner - Half Marathon: T-Shirt

Half Marathon Relay - 3 or Less People: T-Shirt