Registration is now open for the 6th annual Barrel to Keg Relay – Race to End Poverty on July 16, 2016. Presented by the Harris Bridge Vineyard in Philomath (the Barrel) and Rogue Ales Brewery in Newport’s South Beach (the Keg), the Barrel to Keg Relay is a benefit for Community Services Consortium (CSC) to raise money for CSC’s mission to end poverty in Linn, Benton and Lincoln counties.
The race starts in Philomath at the Harris Bridge Vineyard, winds through the beautiful backcountry of the Oregon Coast Range, crosses the scenic Yaquina Bay Bridge, and ends at the Rogue Ales Brewery in Newport with carousing and live music at the Finish Line Party.
Barrel to Keg Relay veteran Jeff Jones, who flew in last year from Georgia to make his first solo, 69-mile run of the course, said, “First you run Barrel to Keg in a 6-person team, and then you want more time on the road. So you run a 4-person team, then you run a 2-person, and finally, you just have to do the whole shebang.”
“Scenery and variety is second to none on Barrel to Keg. I’ve ran them all, and while Cascade Lakes is a close second, nothing stands up to Barrel to Keg. You want time in your trail shoes - done deal; you want time on the road, say when. You start hot in the valley and finish cool on the coast – really, what more could you ask for? Combine this experience with a finish of great wine and/or fantastic beer and there is a little something for everyone.” said Jones.
The proceeds from the race have a real impact on our community. The money raised helps people in Linn, Benton, and Lincoln counties to keep the lights on, put a roof over their heads, and put food on the table. Last year, our Linn Benton Food Share program distributed 5.2 million pounds of food in the community.
The proceeds also provide an education to children through our Head Start program in Lincoln County, and helps youth and adults get back to work so they can succeed in careers and life through programs like YouthBuild, the CSC Youth Garden, and our Natural Resource Conservation Crews.
There are several ways to get involved. Runners and walkers may form teams of up to seven people and can register online at
www.barreltokeg.com. Most creative team names, costumes, and best-dressed vehicles will receive special honors, as well as those that raise the most money for CSC. It’s all about the fun!
You don’t have to run or walk to participate - anyone interested in being a race official or event volunteer, please contact Dee Teem at
dteem@communityservices.us or call 541-574-2277.
We also welcome individuals and businesses who would like to join our fabulous list of sponsors for the Barrel to Keg Relay event. If you would like to support the work of CSC’s poverty-fighting programs, see our Sponsorship opportunities at
http://communityservices.us/barrel-to-keg/detail/category/become-a-sponsor. Grab a friend or family member, lace up those running shoes, and support CSC’s efforts in the region!
For more information, find the race on Facebook at
https://www.facebook.com/BTK.relay or visit the website at
www.barreltokeg.com.
Community Services Consortium (CSC) is a state-designated Community Action Agency serving Linn, Benton and Lincoln counties with housing, nutrition, economic stability, and educational assistance programs since 1980.
To support this event or any of CSC’s poverty-fighting programs and services, visit our website at www.communityservices.us. Donations may be made through our website or mailed to our main office: Community Services Consortium, 245 Broadalbin Street, Suite 2A, Albany, OR 97321.
Cindy Pratt-DeMarzo
