There may be a second Kegs & Legs event next year

There's a possibility there'll be a second Kegs & Legs race at Olds College next year.

The first edition of that race was held Sept. 17.

It was a five-kilometre run with four hydration stations where participants could sample craft beer or mocktails from the school's brewmaster program. An after party was held at the Olds Regional Exhibition's Cow Palace.

The purpose of the event was to showcase the Olds College campus and its brewery. Proceeds go toward supporting the brewmaster and hospitality and tourism programs, used to create scholarships, purchase equipment and set up field trips for students.

It replaced the Mud Run, held at the college for years.

About 170 people participated in the run and 72 volunteers helped make it happen. Earlier, Olds College Community initiatives manager Trina Radcliffe had hoped 500 runners would participate.

“It is hard to predict if we will have another race so soon after this year's, but with the positive feedback we have been receiving from participants, volunteers and partners, it appears that we have found a niche that there is demand for,” Olds College communications coordinator Randy Butler said.

He said organizers are “very happy” with the number of participants and volunteers who came out for the event.

“This was the first time doing the Kegs & Legs 5K and we feel that 170 runners reflects the success of the event,” Butler said. “We see it as a huge success being able to showcase our campus to that many people.”

Butler said Kegs & Legs can't be compared to the Mud Run.

“(The) Mud Run and Kegs & Legs had completely different demographics, so it is not a very good comparable,” he said.

“(The) Mud Run was open to all ages, attracting participants from (ages) five to 75, whereas Kegs & Legs had a more specific target – adults who enjoy craft beer and participate in fun runs. Our youngest Kegs & Legs participant was 20 years old and our oldest was an impressive 65.” [email protected]