FAQ
What is the Beer City Series? How does it work? How do I win?
Beer City Half is a series of 4 half marathons (the Beer City Grand Slam) and 1 Race of Champions. Each race has champions and age group winners like any other ways. When you race, you're automatically entered into the series results. The races take place in Alameda, Sacramento, San Jose, Santa Rosa the SLAM which takes place here at Quarry Lakes. The winners receive the coveted Golden Growler. There are also special things for everyone who takes place in the Grand Slam. You can learn more about the series and series scoring at BeerCitySeries.com.
What kind of schwag is there?
Each finisher receives The Key Beer City medal (which doubles as a bottle opener). Hold it close! All finishers also receive a custom Beer City Half shirt and a special Beer City tasting glass made from recycled plastic. Yay sustainability!
What are the courses, cuttoff times, etc.
All the races take place on the paved trails around and near Lake Almaden. These are the Guadalupe River Trail, Los Alamitos Creek Trail, Calero Creek Trail and, of course the path around Lake Almaden. You can find all of this under Courses.
Is there packet pickup? When is it? Where is it? Can I pickup race day?
There will be packet pickup on Friday, May 31 at Sports Basement, Campbell (1875 S Bascom Ave Suite 240, Campbell, CA 95008 Directions) from 4-6pm. You can pick up for friends. No problem.
On race day, there is bib pickup starting just after 7am at Almaden Lake Park.
Will there be beer? What else will be at the finish?
There will be beer tastes for racers over 21 years of age as well as non-alcoholic beer and other drinks like bubbly water and soda pop. There will also be post-race treats including Bellwether Farms yogurt, and OCHO bars, as well as fruit. Coffee Companions will be onsite with cold brew coffee for sale.
Friends, family, and the General Public can also purchase Tasting-Only tickets. Non-runner tasting starts at 9:45 am.
Family and friends are also welcome to come at no charge if they don't want to drink beer or try any of the snacks. This is a family-friendly event.
Where does the race start and finish?
All races start and finish at Alamden Lake Park. Beer City is located near the parking lot off Almaden Expressway. 15780 Almaden Expy, San Jose, CA 95118 (Click here for directions.)
Are there cutoffs?
Kinda. We don't like cutting people off. You've earned your race. That said, the Half Marathon only has a cutoff at 3:30 minutes. This is not a hard cutoff. Everyone on the course gets a finish. If a runner is significantly behind a 3:30 pace they'll be encouraged to return to the Start.
Where do I park?
Parking is available at Almaden Lake Park for a fee. In addition, there is on-street parking on Winfield Blvd. Click here to see a map of those locations as well as the location of the Start/Finish.
What's your refund policy?
We don't offer cash refunds. We do offer deferrals though up to 30-days from the event. That policy is spelled out here.
