The Snow Jog Adventure (Leisure) Race & Challenge was born in 2013 at the start of Kalamazoo Beer Week as a benefit for Loaves and Fishes. It is a 21 & over “choose your own adventure” style “race” of teams of 2 that lasts approximately 3 ½ hours and spans around 3 miles throughout downtown Kalamazoo.
Upon checking in on “race” day (January 16) at Bell’s Eccentric Café (don’t forget your non-perishable food items-minimum 1 item per member!), your team will receive a course map and a passport to help guide you through the “course”. Don’t forget to dress up for the (optional) costume contest; you can run, walk, skip (no wheels or motorized vehicles allowed) to as many of the checkpoints as you like. Safety first, though - please obey all of the normal traffic laws!
At each checkpoint, you will encounter a challenge that requires little to no athletic coordination. If you complete the challenge, you will receive a hole-punch on your passport and you are free to move on. But don’t rush, because this isn’t actually a race. There are no prizes for finishing first, second, third, or even dead last; in fact, Snow Joggers are HIGHLY encouraged to use the full amount of allotted time. All of the checkpoints along the course will feature Bell’s beer – both old favorites and some specialty beers – so at each stop, feel free to stretch your legs out, quench your thirst, and watch other Snow Joggers attempt to complete the challenges.
Although the Snow Jog Adventure (Leisure) Race and Challenge isn’t a race to the finish, make sure you get back to the Eccentric Café by the designated time for the after-party. After crossing the finish line back, Snow Joggers who have 8 hole-punches on their passport will receive a fabulous Snow Jog prize. Snow Joggers who complete all 11 stops and challenges are also entered into a raffle for a chance to win even more great prizes.
Basically, the Snow Jog Adventure (Leisure) Race and Challenge is a really fun way to do something active outside in the middle of winter, all while drinking beer and celebrating the kick off of Kalamazoo Beer Week with your friends. The proceeds from the event go toward Kalamazoo’s Loaves and Fishes, and we collect a lot of non-perishable food items to donate to them too, so Snow Joggers also get to enjoy the feeling of being a good Samaritan for participating all while having a great time.
Ready to sign up? Grab a partner, come up with a catchy team name & get yourself registered!
See you in January! Don’t forget to check out www.bellsbeer.com for more Rules, FAQ, and other Bell’s Kalamazoo Beer Week events.
If you have any questions about this race, click the button below.
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:
GENERAL
IMPORTANT INFORMATION
SNOW JOG CHECKPOINTS
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
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:
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