Boston, MA – The Harpoon Brewery’s motto is “Love Beer. Love Life,” and on Sunday, May 17th, 2015 4,500 runners will do just that at the 14th Annual Harpoon 5-Miler, a road race to benefit The Angel Fund and ALS Research. Since the Harpoon 5-Miler started 14 years ago, it has raised more than $960,000 for the Angel Fund and ALS Research through the Brewery’s charitable program called Harpoon Helps. This year’s fundraising total will push the Harpoon Helps donation to the Angel Fund over the $1,000,000 mark.
“A great run followed by a great beer really brings people out,” says Harpoon 5-Miler Race Director Jessie Cox. “Add to it that this run is for such an important cause, it’s a great day for Harpoon and our community. We’re especially proud to reach the $1,000,000 fundraising mark this year, and we are very grateful to the runners, volunteers, and donors who have helped us support the Angel Fund over the years.”
ALS, commonly known as Lou Gehrig’s Disease, is a fatal neurodegenerative disease characterized by muscle weakness and a progressive wasting and paralysis of the muscles. This cause holds special significance for the brewery as Harpoon lost Gordon Heald, a founding investor, to ALS in 1997.
The Harpoon 5-Miler race course, which begins and ends at the Harpoon Brewery in Boston’s Seaport District, includes a loop along the path at Castle Island. Runners enjoy a scenic run along the water and beautiful views of both Boston Harbor and the city’s skyline. The run is followed by a post-race party under the tents of HarpoonFest, the Brewery’s annual summer festival. The completion of the race is celebrated with Harpoon and UFO beers, including the Brewery’s new year-round beer, Harpoon Take 5 Session IPA. Food is provided by Bertucci’s and Kayem. A local DJ will spin tunes and, as in years past, the most anticipated post-run dance party will commence.
Harpoon 5-Miler 2015 Race Day Schedule – Sunday, May 17th:
- 8:00 am: Packet pick-up opens (the 2015 race is sold out – there will be no day-of registration)
- 10:00 am: Race starts
- 12:00 pm: Award Ceremony
For more information about the Harpoon 5-Miler visit www.harpoon5miler.com.
The Harpoon Brewery wishes to thank the City of Boston, the EDIC, and the Department of Conservation & Recreation for their support and for helping to ensure a safe and well communicated event. Harpoon also thanks their neighbors in the Seaport District, as well as their partners who have been supporting the Harpoon 5-Miler for years.
About Harpoon Helps:
Harpoon Brewery supports local non-profits through its charitable arm, Harpoon Helps. Its mission is to support local charities throughout New England with donations of fresh Harpoon beer and volunteer hours, and by raising thousands of dollars through Harpoon events to aid their efforts. Each year Harpoon donates thousands of dollars in merchandise and many barrels of beer to New England charities. For more information about Harpoon Helps, visit www.harpoonhelps.com.
About the Harpoon Brewery:
Harpoon Brewery was founded by beer lovers Dan Kenary, Rich Doyle, and George Ligeti. In 1986 Harpoon was issued Brewing Permit #001 by the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, since it was the first brewery to brew commercially in Boston after a dormant period of about 25 years. Harpoon’s line of craft beer features its award winning IPA and UFO White beers, along with special seasonal selections. In 2000 Harpoon purchased a second brewery in Windsor, VT, making Harpoon the 15th largest craft brewer in the US. Harpoon has since introduced the limited batch 100 Barrel Series and the as well as the all-natural Harpoon Craft Cider made from freshly pressed apples. In August 2014 Harpoon became an employee-owned company. For more information about Harpoon beers and visiting the breweries, visit www.harpoonbrewery.com.