2016 Bell's Snow Jog Adventure (Leisure) Race & Challenge

355 E Kalamazoo Ave
Bell's Eccentric Cafe
Kalamazoo, MI US 49007

If you have any questions about this race, click the button below.

Questions?

To become a Snow Jogger, you must have a teammate, at least two cans total of non-perishable food items, and you must register online. Payment must be made upon registration.

All Snow Joggers who turn in their passports with 8 punches on their passport will receive commemorative Snow Jog swag. 

If we catch you cheating you will have 7 years bad luck. 

Payment schedule:
$40/team at time of registration. This sells out fast!
At check-in: 2 (or more) cans of non-perishable food

Registration is limited to 200 teams, so don’t wait. Before registering, read through the rules and FAQ.

Things to do:

• One member from your team should fill out the online registration form here. After you enter the first registrant, PLEASE MAKE SURE TO CLICK THE "GROUP/TEAM" BUTTON UNDER THE "CHOOSE YOUR EVENT" SECTION. Complete registration by adding your teammate as the second registrant.
• Pay the registration fee (net proceeds go to Kalamazoo’s Loaves and Fishes).
• Receive an email confirmation from Run Sign Up confirming your full registration. 
• Get creative with your teammate (Bell’s beer helps) and come up with a costume.
• Collect at least 2 cans of non-perishable food. More than 2 is welcomed and appreciated. 
• Come to Bell’s Eccentric Café on Saturday, January 16th and get ready to Snow Jog all over downtown Kalamazoo! Packet pick-up begins at 10am, the "race" begins promptly at noon!
• Stick around!

GENERAL

• Anyone over age 21 may participate. 
• The race will go on no matter the weather. The inaugural race was warm and sunny, but it’s Michigan and January, so who knows what to expect. If it’s crappy out, use that as motivation to spend more time inside the Snow Jog stop and move quickly when moving between them.
• Each team must pay the entry fee and bring two (or more) cans of non-perishable food to participate. All net proceeds and food donations go directly to Kalamazoo’s Loaves and Fishes. 
• Register online here. Make sure you read the rules and FAQ before registering. 
• This is a choose-your-own adventure type of event. When you check in before the “race,” you will receive a course map with all of the Snow Jog stop locations. The crowd tends to start with either the closest or farthest Snow Jog stop, so strategize with your partner to determine the best route. 
• Costumes are not mandatory, but encouraged. There will be a costume contest, and winners will be announced at the after party. Winners are subject to judges opinions… Bribery of said judges is welcome. Costumes including past years’ Snow Jog swag or really creative outerwear get a bonus point.

IMPORTANT INFORMATION

• You must have a team of two. If your partner drops out of the race and you need to make a swap, let us know. Email cbuzz@bellsbeer.com for details.
• Early packet pick-up is available at Ruggers Up & Under on 01/15 from 5 pm - 8 pm.
• Day of packet pick-up will begin promptly at 10 am, with the Snow Jog Adventure (Leisure) Race & Challenge kicking off at noon. 
• In order to be eligible for any prizes, you and your partner must cross the finish line at the Eccentric Café by 3:30pm. Don’t lose your passports; you need to turn those in upon your arrival.
• All Snow Joggers must navigate the course on foot. No wheels or motorized vehicles allowed. If we catch you cheating, you will 7 years bad luck and be disqualified from any opportunities to win prizes. 
• All the normal traffic laws must be observed.
• All Snow Joggers who turn in their passports with 6 punches on their passport will receive commemorative Snow Jog swag. 
• Snow Joggers who turn in completed passports are also entered into a raffle for some special prizes. 
• All Snow Joggers must wear their Snow Jog BIB number at all times.

SNOW JOG CHECKPOINTS

• This is not an actual race. Take advantage of the allotted amount of time to quench your thirst at each checkpoint. In order to receive a punch in your passport at a Snow Jog stop, you must complete the challenge. Sometimes the challenges end up being harder than anticipated… In that case, be really nice to Snow Jog Marshals; if you try really hard but fail to complete the challenge, they will probably give you a punch in your passport regardless.
• DON’T LEAVE SNOW JOG STOPS BEFORE YOU GET A PASSPORT PUNCHED (but you have to earn the punch first). 
• Be nice to the bartenders and tip them well.
• Don’t forget to drink water along the way.

GENERAL

Where did you get the idea for this event?
A group of Bell’s employees came up with it. We wanted to do something beer-related that was fun, and active but not too much of a challenge.

Why are you doing this?
To kick off Kalamazoo Beer Week, and raise money/collect food donations for Kalamazoo’s Loaves and Fishes.

How long is the race?
You get three and a half hours to go to as many or as few Snow Jog checkpoints around downtown Kalamazoo as you please. The total distance is up to you; strategize with your partner to pick the best route. Hint: choosing the shortest or most convenient route is popular, and those who do so are at the risk of longer lines for challenges and beer.

Where can I get more information?
Bell’s social media, bellsbeer.com
Questions? Contact cbuzz@bellsbeer.com

JOGGING

I want to Snow Jog but my partner dropped out. Can I do it alone or join another team? Or is anyone else looking for a teammate?
If your partner drops out, you can swap him or her for another one. Email cbuzz@bellsbeer.com

After I register, can I change my team name?
No. Put your thinking cap on when filling out your registration form, because all team names are final.

Can we wear a costume?
Yes. Matching outfits and costumes are encouraged, and we have a costume contest. Costumes involving past years’ Snow Jog swag are a bonus.

What Bell’s beers will be on draft at Snow Jog checkpoints?
At a minimum, every Snow Jog checkpoint will feature at least one year round or seasonal beer, and at least one specialty beer. Specific beers vary; you will receive a detailed list of what beers will be available and where on the day of the Snow Jog.

Do we have to buy beer at Snow Jog checkpoints to get our passport punched?
Purchasing beer is not necessary. However, as there are no prizes for finishing first, we highly recommend taking advantage of the full time allotment to warm up, quench your thirst, and watch other Snow Joggers try to complete the challenges.

Will Snow Jog checkpoints offer discounted beverages for Snow Joggers?
All Snow Jog checkpoints will offer a smaller size beer for a lower price to all patrons inside the checkpoint.

PRIZES

• There are no prizes for finishing first. Take advantage of the full time allotment.
• Everyone who turns in a passport with at least 8 punches is eligible for some fabulous Snow Jog swag.
• Everyone who turns in a completed passport (all 8 stops are hole punched) is entered into a raffle for a grand prize.
• We will give out at least one prize for best costume, subject to judge’s opinion.

PARTNERS

This super cool event wouldn’t be possible without the help of other partners in the community. Virtual high-five and HUGE THANKS to everyone who partnered with us:

• GAZELLE SPORTS
• THE UNION
• SHAKESPEARE’S PUB
• UP AND UNDER
• LOUIE’S TROPHY HOUSE
• HARVEY’S ON THE MALL
• UNIVERSITY ROADHOUSE
• GREEN TOP TAVERN
• KALAMAZOO LOAVES AND FISHES
• BURDICKS BAR & GRILL
• PEDALS
• OLD DOG TAVERN