Good Hops 5k'ish Beer Run 2026

Join us Father's Day Weekend (Saturday, June 20th) for the 11th annual Good Hops “Will Run for Beer” trail race followed by post-race awards and festivities at the brewery! This 5k(ish) beer run/walk will start at Good Hops Brewing & run through the trails in the spectacular Carolina Beach State Park. We look forward to seeing all of our repeat runners again and hope to meet new participants as well. Come for a fun morning, stay to hang out with some familiar faces, and be sure to meet the new owners of Good Hops! All proceeds benefit the Carolina Beach Elementary School, and Friends of the State Park. We like to keep this race small, organic and affordable so we hope you enjoy the "old school" feel of the run/walk.

• Friday, June 12th - Guaranteed t-shirt for runners registered by Friday, June 12th. We will do our best to accommodate late registrations, but we cannot guarantee you a t-shirt. So, sign up early because the t's are always super rad. Shirts are adult unisex xs through xxl. If you can't decide, please select the larger size. We will not be able to accommodate changes to sizes. 
• Runners over 21 will receive the official Good Hops Beer Run cup and a beer with registration. Runners under the age of 21 will receive an age-appropriate treat following the race.
• We will shoot for the Award Ceremony to occur at 11:30 so hang out with us for a few beers and food. The generous CB Island Men will be making there "World Famous Breakfast Sandwiches" All proceeds directly go back to the community.
• Packet pick-up is 5:00 to 7:30 Friday evening at Good Hops Brewery in Carolina Beach. Additional packet pickup and late registration will be between 7:30 and 8:40 on Saturday, race day morning. Come Friday to carb load with some hoppy beer.
• This run is in the state park so you can expect soft sand, roots, rocks, and uneven ground. Use strollers at your own risk.
• We love dogs and leashed dogs are welcome at Good Hops. But should not be in the race. The trails are very crowded and it may be too hot for your best friend.
• Not a runner? Walk the course! We also encourage all athletic supporters not participating in the race to hang out at the brewery, meet the owners and employees of Good Hops Brewing who bring locally brewed beer to Carolina Beach!
• Race Day Parking: Island Men will assist you with race day parking. There should be plenty of parking in the Good Hops lot and on the shoulder along Harper.

Super Rad Awards will be handed out for the following categories:
1st Place Male/Female Overall
1st Place Masters Male/Female (over 55)
1st Place Dad/Kid Combo – dubbed the Dad of the Day! (Please note, dad and kid must cross the finish line at the same time. That’s the point, right…run together! No age restriction of kid.)
1st Place Male/Female Military – We want to honor those that serve for all of us!
1st Place Male/Female kid age 14 and under

Race Course
The race course is 100% in the Carolina Beach State Park on natural trail. Bug spray may not be a bad idea because sometimes the biting flies are out this time of year. Also, this run is a “fun” run so make sure you run/walk within yourself as it may be hot and humid. We will have 2 water stations at mile 1 and 2 so you can hydrate.