8 Best Oktoberfest Races Around America

8 Best Oktoberfest Races Around America

Article by: Jenny Willden

Oktoberfest: It's not just for drinking beer anymore. Sport a run-ready Lederhosen or Dirndl and earn your celebratory brew at these Oktoberfest-themed races across America. From 2 milers to 10Ks, run a distance you love then dance a polka, munch a schnitzel, and hoist a stein at raucous post-race parties. Whether you live in Tennessee or Texas, there's a festive fall race for you.


Rahr & Sons Oktoberfest 5K

Fort Worth, Texas; September 29, 2018

At Munich's annual Oktoberfest, yelling "O'zapft is!" kicks off the first keg tap. In the Lone Star State, Texans may add a "y'all" to the expression as local brewer Rahr & Sons tap specialty beers at its 9th annual Oktoberfest run. But, if you want a taste, you'll have to race for it!

Run 3.1 miles—pausing only for an on-course whiskey shot— then celebrate your finish with a Rahr & Sons medal and free beer samples poured in a finisher pint glass. Test your mettle in the straight-arm stein hoisting contest then polka dance your way around the German biergarten. Don't forget a costume—dirndls and lederhosen are out in force for the costume contest—and winners receive prizes.


Louisville Oktoberfest Pretzel Run

Louisville, Colorado; September 30, 2018

Choose your distance: 10K, 5K, or 1-mile kids' race at Louisville's annual Pretzel Run. Get early festival admission for racing and enjoy Bavarian food, German beer, live music, dancing, and activities for the whole family.

But that's not where the racer perks end. A t-shirt, finisher medal, pint of beer, pretzel, and festival entry are included in your fee, and dressing in a traditional costume nets you a free Oktoberfest pint glass too.


Oktoberfest 8K

Bozeman, Montana; October 6, 2018

Compete in log sawing, stein holding, and hammer-schlagen at this Montana 8K with mountain man flair. Sport a Dirndl or Lederhosen for the costume contest and sprint the distance for your chance to win a custom-engraved, oak-aging beer barrel.

Montanans love their beer, so it's no surprise that the race-after party features a dozen local and regional breweries serving up seasonal Oktoberfest ales. Test your brew IQ with a blind beer tasting then pair your pint with authentic German provisions. Race entry includes your first brew and finisher's pretzel.


5K Oktoberfest Run & Fun Run

Washington D.C.; October 6, 2018

Prost! That's German for cheers, and it's best yelled as you tap pint glasses with fellow runners at this 5K's finish. Head to the Oktoberfest beer garden for your complimentary post-race brew and dance the day away to live music.

Bring the kids; energetic youngsters can run a 1K fun race and enjoy games at the all-ages after party. Don't leave your non-runner friends at home either. Admission to the post-race Oktoberfest celebration is free and open to the public.


Oktoberfest Run & Walk

New Orleans, Louisiana; October 6, 2018

New Orleans is best known for Mardi Gras, but the city parties for Oktoberfest too. This two-mile race is perfect for runners not ready for the 5K distance and those who hate early race-day wake up calls. Toe the start line at noon, and run or walk to the finish along the banks of the bayou at Deutsches Haus' Oktoberfest celebration.

Use your race bib for free entry on race day, and an additional day if one round of Oktoberfesting just isn't enough. Feast on German cheese, Bavarian pretzels, bratwurst, sauerkraut, sauerbraten, and a bevy of rich desserts. Pair it all (in moderation) with 20 different German beers, wine, and schnapps.


Yuengling Oktoberfest Race

Bethlehem, Pennsylvania; October 7, 2018

Get your Lederhosen ready; this popular Bavarian-themed race is known for its fast 5K course featuring German dancers and the huge post-race party at Bethlehem, Pennsylvania's historic SteelStacks Oktoberfest.

Use your race bib to beat the line and gain early entry into this repurposed steel plant's 8th annual Oktoberfest event. Once inside, celebrate your accomplishment with a complimentary stein of Oktoberfest brew from Yuengling—America's oldest brewery—served in a commemorative glass. Stay for live German music, polka dancing, Bavarian cuisine, and free competitions like stein racing and barrel rolling.

New this year, children ages five and under can get in on the racing action with a free Kids' Dash held prior to the 5K.


Nashville Oktoberfest Bier Run

Nashville, Tennessee; October 13, 2018

Celebrate German traditions in the heart of Music City at Tennessee's second largest 5K. Racers take their marks at Nashville's Farmer's Market and run through Historic Germantown before finishing at Bicentennial Mall with a free Oktoberfest beer—included in your race entry.

Then head to Nashville's oldest festival, the 39th Annual Nashville Oktoberfest, which spans 10 city blocks and boasts over a quarter of a million attendees. Cheers with a Paulaner straight from Germany at draft stations serving imported Oktoberfest brews. Snack on schnitzels and strudels from chefs and vendors cooking fare so authentic, it would make Munich proud.

And don't miss the beer slide shenanigans. Sliding down 125 feet of vinyl with a 20-ounce beer in hand may sound easy enough, but it's not. Whoever's cup is most full at the slide's finish wins!


Oktoberfest Run

Bloomington, Illinois; October 21, 2018

Brats, Oktoberfest beer, and polka music await at the end of this scenic 5K run and one-mile walk on blacktop trails. Run fast and be awarded one of three ceramic steins for top finishers in each age group. Race begins at 1 p.m. so even late risers can join the fun, and there are food-and-beer-only options available for your non-running friends.

But the best part of this race is that you aren't just having fun; you're doing good. The event raises funds for Bloomington-Normal Sunrise Rotary's Youth Services and the Central Catholic High School's Rotaract Club.

If you can't make it to Munich, experience Oktoberfest on the run at these festive races across America. You'll burn a few calories, and feel way better about imbibing in a brew—or two.