The Sports Backers just announced a new event that, not surprisingly, looks to be a blast. It’s coming up in early October, so put it on your calendar now!

In celebration of Richmond’s urban trail system and burgeoning craft beer culture, the group is announcing the first-ever Trails and Ales trail run and craft beer festival, set for Saturday, October 3. The event will take place in Manchester at W. 10th Street and Semmes Avenue, adjacent to the SunTrust building, at 4:30 p.m.

If you agree with the above, ‘Trails and Ales’ is for you. Credit: trailrunningforbeer.blogspot.com

Registration for Trails and Ales is now open at www.sportsbackers.org, with a block of the first 250 spots open at a special rate of $30. Overall registration will be capped at 750. Once the first 250 spots have been claimed, registration will re-open at a later date with a $35 registration fee.

From the SB’s press release: In conjunction with the trail run will be the Trails and Ales Craft Beer Festival, highlighting the exciting culture of craft brewing that is rising in the Richmond region. Beers and ciders from local breweries, including Hardywood Park Craft Brewery, Isley Brewing Company, Legend Brewing Company, Strangeways Brewing, and Bold Rock Hard Cider, will be available at the festival, and race participants will receive a stainless steel finisher cup and one drink ticket to be redeemed at the festival. There will also be food trucks, beverages available for purchase, and music. Friends, family, and spectators are also invited to take part in the festival.

Trails and Ales will consist of two course options: an 8-mile ‘Tall Boy’ course and a 5k ‘Pint Glass’ course. Courses will be on the scenic Buttermilk and North Bank trails in the James River Park System. The Tall Boy course pairs medium to high climbs with smooth paths along the river and a fun finish, while the Pint Glass course has lower mileage compared to its 8-mile sister, but shares the same earthy aromas, scenic views, and exciting finish.

“We are very excited to add Trails and Ales to our event lineup to continue motivating and inspiring an active community,” said Jon Lugbill, Executive Director of Sports Backers. “The James River Park offers some of the best urban trails in the country, highlighted by the downtown riverfront. Combining that with the energy and enthusiasm for the craft beer culture here in Richmond will make for a great event.”

Participants will have the opportunity to donate to support a new water fountain in the James River Park. This is a grassroots effort of trail advocates, led by RVA MORE and Kelleher HVAC, to install a human and canine-friendly water fountain at the Pump House Drive trailhead near the Boulevard Bridge. Participants can contribute to this effort during the registration process and on-site during the event.