Fourth Annual Barrel to Keg Relay a Huge Success!

Nearly 700 runners and walkers traversed a backcountry race route from Philomath's Harris Bridge Vineyard to the Rogue Ales Brewery in Newport for Community Services Consortium's fourth annual Barrel to Keg Relay – Race to End Poverty (B2K) on Saturday, July 12. More than 150 volunteers were also stationed along the route, helping the day to flow smoothly.

Relay participants came from as far as Canada to raise money for CSC. Walkers covered seven legs totaling 32 miles, and runners covered 14 legs totaling 69 miles. There were 111 teams of runners and walkers, mostly comprised of six team members.

Solo ultrarunner Seth Paredes

This year's B2K also included a solo ultrarunner, Seth Paredes of Newport. Paredes did the full course in 14 hours and 44 minutes, at an impressive 12:49 pace.

“I'm glad I was able to finish. I really shocked myself with the last 15 miles to go.” said Paredes.

One walker, Roger Sinks, also chose to solo the route, completing 32 miles in 10 hours and 55 minutes at a pace of 21:09.

Running team “We Got the Runs” came in first place overall with a total time of 7 hours, 25 minutes and 6 seconds at a 6 minute, 28 second mile pace. This is their fourth first-place finish at B2K.

First place in the Women’s Open division was “Bad Mother Runners,” and first place in the mixed Open division was “Mixed 6.” Team Mixed 6 included CSC’s own Youth and Education Manager Sean Larsen.

In the Master’s division, “Coast Hills Bootleggers” received first for Men’s, “Easy But Not Cheap” placed first for Women’s, and “Santiam Snot Rockets” placed first for Mixed.

Walking team "Don’t Worry Be Hippy” came in first with a total of 8 hours, 30 minutes and 52 seconds and a 16 minute and 29 second mile pace.

With the help of the Lincoln County Emergency Radio Operators, Newport Police Volunteers and TCB Security, the course was kept safe and communications ran smoothly.

When participants completed the course against a beautiful backdrop of the Yaquina Bridge, they were greeted with a celebration inside the Rogue Brewery headquarters. B2K sponsors made the Finish Line Party possible, with Rogue providing food and beer, Oregon Coast Event Rentals providing an elegant and comfortable setup, Harris Bridge Vineyard serving up wine, Franz providing bread and cookies, Bespoken Roasters brewing fresh coffee, and Cabot Cheese providing delicious cheeses. Cytomax energy drinks and Odwalla bars were also available. Participants and their families refueled and enjoyed live music by the Valley Cats and Island Joy. Verterbrata Chiropractic welcomed participants with free massages.

During the celebration, the best costumes award was given to "#oldladyproblems" and “What’s With the Pound Sign? #.” The best team name award was given to "Seven Deadly Shins," and the best-dressed vehicle award was given to "Shamble in the Bramble."

Costume contest winners #oldladyproblems and
What's With the Pound Sign? #

CSC Executive Director Martha Lyon said this year’s B2K was the most successful relay yet, with a preliminary estimate of $37,000 raised.

“The proceeds from this race are used to help stabilize people in poverty in Linn, Benton and Lincoln counties, and then help them acquire the skills and tools to move out of poverty.” said Lyon.

The agency will use the money raised to support programs and services for low-income families with housing, utilities, food, education, and job skills training, as well as weatherization to better insulate their homes and bring down monthly heating bills.

CSC would like to thank the many race participants and sponsors for their support - we hope to see you again next year!

To learn more about B2K - Race to End Poverty contact info@barreltokeg.com or visit us at www.barreltokeg.com.