The first-ever Yuengling Light Lager Jogger 5K isn't for a few months but registration is almost full.
Carrie Snyder, race director, said Tuesday that it's being presented by CK Running LLC, Philadelphia, will start at 8 a.m. April 13 and registration is capped at 2,500 participants.
Registration is $40 until March 1, then $45 from March 1 through April 12 and no race day registration will be available.
The race will start and finish at the Yuengling Brewery, 501 Mahantongo St., Pottsville.
"We're longtime fans of Yuengling," Snyder said. "We're always trying to keep things different. People want to do something that's a lot more fun, something to get them out and active."
Snyder said that since this is the first year for the event and they wanted make it a great race experience, so registration is limited, but both CK Running and Yuengling are open to expanding it in the future if it's possible.
She also said some participants are coming from New Mexico, Texas and California and there are also bus trips scheduled from Philadelphia.
With about 85 spots left, it is expected to sell out sometime today.
Looking for a way to create a different race experience for those looking for shorter, more entertaining runs, Snyder said they decided to partner with Yuengling, which was "a really natural choice."
"5K races are actually common at breweries," said Jen Holtzman, marketing manager at Yuengling, on Tuesday. "Although we hadn't thought about planning one, it made sense when we were approached last summer by CK Running. These two ladies are avid runners and quite experienced in planning these events."
Organizing the event in addition to Snyder is Kathryn Ross, marketing and partner relations director.
As for the Lager Jogger, the race will be open to runners and walkers of all levels, will be professionally timed by Mid-Atlantic Timing and prizes awarded to the overall and age group winners.
All participants will receive an official race t-shirt, goodie bag, race bib with timing chip attached, two free pints of Yuengling Light Lager for those over 21 years old, an official Yuengling Light Lager Jogger 5K pint glass, free brewery tours and admission to the post-race party.
There will be a post-race block party at the finish with live music, food vendors, Yuengling merchandise sales and more, as well as an after-party at Maroons Sports Bar & Grill, 556 N. Centre St., Pottsville, with beer and food specials.
"We are very excited about it," Holtzman said. "I was surprised at the number of brewery employees that signed up to run. There are many local businesses involved in the festivities at the brewery that morning, the after party, hotel accommodations, parking arrangements, etc. I believe it's a fantastic event for the area and the way everyone is getting involved is a testament to what a great community Pottsville truly is."
According to the race website, $2 from every race registration will go directly to Operation Gratitude, a nonprofit, volunteer-based corporation, that annually sends 100,000 care packages filled with snacks, entertainment items and personal letters of appreciation addressed to individually named U.S. Service Members deployed in hostile regions, to their children left behind and to wounded warriors, veterans and first responders.
"We're thrilled at the success," Snyder said. "Yuengling is a great brand and I think it's going to be a real successful event,"
Thomas A. Palamar, administrator for the City of Pottsville, said Tuesday that he thinks the event is a great idea.
"We're proud of the town," he said. "It will be nice to show it off to people from all over the country."
With 2,500 people gathering at Mahantongo Street to participate in the event, Palamar said the organizers contacted Mayor John D.W. Reilly's office and he immediately coordinated with police.
"They've been working closely with the organizer on how we can safely close the streets," Palamar said. "They had plenty of time to go in and can accommodate the race traffic as well as the local traffic."
For more information or to register, visit www.lagerjogger.com.