Thirst Responders 5K 2026

The Thirst Responders 5K is a beer-run staged in April in Perth, Ontario — the 2026 race takes place on April 18 and is organized by the Historic Ontario Running Series. Held in the heart of Perth, the event pairs a short, fast course with a festival atmosphere that highlights the town's historic riverfront and bridges.

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The format is deliberately playful: runners consume a 5 oz cup of beer before each 1.25 km loop, repeating the loop four times for a total distance of 5 km. The race starts at 3:00 p.m., with race kit pick-up available from 1:00–2:30 p.m. A lights-and-sirens parade marches to the start at 2:45 p.m., and the course closes one hour after the gun. Entrants choose a team—police, fire, paramedics, or military—and individual finish times are aggregated to crown a fastest collective team; overall male and female winners are also recognized.

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What makes Thirst Responders distinctive is how it ties local history, community spirit and craft beer into a single afternoon. The course departs from Bridge Masters Brewing Company and runs past the Bridge Master's original house (built 1889), crossing three bridges including the historic Beckwith Swing Bridge. Bridge Masters supplies one pint split into four cups for the laps, and the finish comes with a unique finisher medal and a post-race party with live music. The Historic Ontario Running Series lists First Book Canada as its charity partner, reflecting the series' community focus.

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Registration is handled through Race Roster and the event has a capped field (160 runners in 2026), so early entry is advised. Race kit pick-up and event-day timing are published in advance for entrants.

• Start/finish at Bridge Masters Brewing Company (29 Beckwith Street, Perth, Ontario) with kit pick-up on-site.
• Course uses a 1.25 km loop repeated four times for a 5 km total; runners drink a 5 oz cup of beer before each lap.
• Mixed pavement and riverside trail running: parking-lot exit to Herriott St → Sherbrooke St → Tay River trail → Craig St → Beckwith St → brewery driveway.
• Loop crosses three bridges, including the historic Beckwith Swing Bridge (Tay River’s surviving swing bridge).
• Course limit 1 hour; event capacity capped at 160 runners.

• Beer served on course: One pint from Bridge Masters Brewing Company divided into four 5 oz cups, consumed before each 1.25 km lap.
• Team competition: Runners pick police, fire, paramedics or military and individual finish times aggregate to determine the winning team.
• Historic start/finish: Race begins and ends at the Bridge Master's original house and Bridge Masters Brewing Company (house built in 1889).
• Bridge-crossing loop: The 1.25 km loop crosses three bridges, including the Tay River’s surviving Beckwith Swing Bridge.
• Post-race celebration: Live music and a brewery atmosphere at the finish for an after-party with camaraderie and local crowd support.