Keg Legs
When two of Cincinnati’s most iconic traditions come together, the result is a celebration that feels both natural and exciting. This September, Pig Works and Oktoberfest Zinzinnati are officially teaming up to include the 14K/7K Brewery Run as part of the Oktoberfest Zinzinnati weekend lineup. The race, scheduled for Saturday, September 20, 2025, at 7:30 a.m., will not only provide participants with a scenic and spirited run along the Ohio River but will also deliver a one-of-a-kind post-race celebration that ties directly into the nation’s largest Oktoberfest.
A Partnership Rooted in Cincinnati Tradition
The announcement marks a milestone collaboration between Pig Works, the nonprofit organization behind some of the city’s signature races, and Oktoberfest Zinzinnati, an event that has become a cornerstone of Cincinnati’s cultural identity. For decades, both organizations have played an important role in showcasing the city’s strengths: a strong sense of community, a deep-rooted German heritage, and a knack for throwing large-scale, joyful celebrations.
Pig Works CEO Doug Olberding explained the synergy: “We are proud to have these two iconic Cincinnati events come together. Oktoberfest’s move to the riverfront last year drew rave reviews from attendees, and ending the 14K/7K with this unique tradition as the post-race celebration is a natural partnership.”
By combining forces, the two organizations have created an event that blends endurance, camaraderie, and cultural festivity into a single unforgettable weekend.
The Race and the TQL Beer Series
The 14K/7K Brewery Run is more than just a stand-alone race — it’s part of the TQL Beer Series, which has become a cult favorite among Cincinnati runners and beer enthusiasts. The series kicks off each March with the Bockfest 5K, held during Cincinnati’s legendary Bockfest, and continues in May with the 50 West Mile during Flying Pig Marathon weekend. The Brewery Run in September rounds out the series, creating a trifecta of races that showcase both the city’s athletic spirit and its brewing traditions.
More than 3,000 participants are expected to take part in the Brewery Run, ranging from competitive runners eyeing a new personal best to casual participants out to enjoy the morning with friends. What unites them is the shared anticipation of crossing the finish line and diving straight into Oktoberfest Zinzinnati’s festive atmosphere.
Oktoberfest Zinzinnati: A National Draw
Oktoberfest Zinzinnati is more than a local party, it’s a cultural phenomenon. Since its founding in 1976, the event has grown into the largest Oktoberfest celebration in the United States, drawing over 700,000 visitors annually. Produced by the Cincinnati Regional Chamber, the festival transforms Sawyer Point and Yeatman’s Cove into a sprawling Bavarian village where beer flows freely, music fills the air, and the scent of bratwurst and sauerkraut lingers along the Ohio Riverfront.
Festival highlights include the whimsical Running of the Wieners, where dachshunds dressed as hot dogs race in front of delighted crowds, and the Stein Hoisting Competition, which tests the stamina and grit of competitors holding full beer steins at arm’s length. Stages showcase live polka music and other performances, while tents serve everything from German classics like schnitzel and pretzels to creative culinary takes from Cincinnati chefs.
Chelsea Brown York, Vice President of Events & Experiences at the Cincinnati Regional Chamber, captured the spirit of the partnership: “Oktoberfest Zinzinnati and the Brewery Run are two beloved Oktoberfest season traditions, so this collaboration made perfect sense. We look forward to welcoming all of this year’s runners to Sawyer Point.”
Race-Day Experience
For those participating, the Brewery Run promises more than just a medal. Each finisher will receive a commemorative Oktoberfest-themed medal, making it both a memento of the accomplishment and a collectible piece of Cincinnati racing culture. Racers will also enjoy early access to the festival’s main festhalle, which will open its doors before the general public to give participants a head start on the celebration.
Included with registration are two Sam Adams beverages, ensuring that the post-race recovery comes with a Bavarian twist. Friends, family, and spectators are encouraged to come downtown to cheer on participants and then stay to join in the festivities. The race and festival together provide a full day of activity that perfectly captures Cincinnati’s blend of fitness and fun.
Beyond the Finish Line
The partnership between Pig Works and Oktoberfest Zinzinnati reflects a broader trend in Cincinnati: collaboration between organizations to elevate the city’s cultural and economic footprint. Events like this not only create memorable experiences for participants but also generate tourism, boost local businesses, and reinforce the Queen City’s identity as a hub of community-centered celebration.
For Pig Works, the collaboration expands its mission to connect people through fitness and fellowship, while for Oktoberfest Zinzinnati, it deepens its reputation as a truly inclusive and dynamic festival that welcomes everyone — from seasoned marathoners to casual walkers, from out-of-town tourists to lifelong Cincinnatians.
As the crisp September morning dawns and runners take their first steps onto the racecourse, they’ll be part of more than just a run. They’ll be part of a tradition that marries endurance with revelry, a chance to earn their beer and bratwurst, and a memory that only Cincinnati can deliver.
Event Details and Registration
Date: Saturday, September 20, 2025
Start Time: 7:30 a.m.
Location: Sawyer Point & Yeatman’s Cove, Cincinnati, Ohio Riverfront
Distances: 14K and 7K
Registration: flyingpigmarathon.com/tql-beer-series