Virtual Cheers & Literal Beers! IL Brewery Running Series goes digital
The Chicago Parks Foundation has been running with our friends at the Illinois Brewery Running Series for years. The group hosts fun, accessible 5k running events that always start and end at a local brewery, with a portion of ticket proceeds supporting local nonprofits.
Now, with the stay at home order in effect through April in Illinois, ILBRS has announced their “Virtual Cheers & Literal Beers Challenge”. The competition encourages Chicagoans to remain active on their own and still support the local businesses that they’d normally enjoy as a part of the events.
“While we might not be able to come together in person at this time, nothing can stop us from supporting our local communities,” says Serena Pomerantz, Co-Director of ILBRS. “Our mission is to be active, have fun, and give back - and that can be accomplished in many ways. We want to stay active and help our local breweries stay in business”
GIVE BACK
ILBRS is a part of the national organization, Brewery Running Series, which is now in its ninth season and growing, with chapters in over a dozen states. The Chicago Parks Foundation is proud to be one of the nonprofits that ILBRS supports, having served as a charity partner of the series since 2016.
10% of all proceeds from this month’s special challenge will directly support the Illinois COVID-19 Response Fund, with over $1300 already raised. ILBRS will also absorb all costs to the breweries in an extra effort of support. “We want them to be there for us when we emerge from this crisis,” says Serena.
“While we might not be able to come together in person at this time, nothing can stop us from supporting our local communities.”
The pint glass and t-shirt are just some of the available challenge prizes
BE ACTIVE
The challenge runs from April 5th to May 2nd. Using the mobile tracking app Strava, challenge participants will earn “mileage” by running/walking/jogging, engaging in indoor physical activities, supporting local Illinois breweries, and making donations to help COVID-19 relief or other nonprofits. It’s still all about being active, having fun, and giving back.
No matter how you participate, ILBRS reminds you to stay safe. “We are committed to following and encouraging our runners to follow every one of Mayor Lightfoot’s and Governor Pritzker’s directives on social distancing,” says Serena.
HAVE FUN
The more mileage you log, the more you earn. All participants will be given coupons for discounts at local breweries. And after meeting milestones throughout the month, participants will win other special prizes like an ILBRS pint glass, t-shirt, growler, and future event discounts. Check out all of the challenge details and register today here!
ILBRS has 27 running events on its schedule for this season at breweries all over the Chicago area. They hope to return to their regular in-person events soon.
Virtual cheers to our friends at the Illinois Brewery Running Series for making literal change during this important time!
LOVE RUNNING AND GIVING BACK? JOIN TEAM CHI PARKS!
Make your 2020 Bank of America Chicago Marathon extra meaningful by running on behalf of the Chicago Parks Foundation’s charity team. Team ChiParks offers guaranteed race entry, step-by-step training, the best on-site race day amenity tent, and more. Since 2014, our runners have raised $550,000+ in support of the parks. (At this time, it is our understanding that the Chicago Marathon is still on for October 11, 2020; we remain in communication with our Bank of America partners and will keep our team updated of any COVID-19 related changes.)
