McGregor Mug Run & Beer Fest wet but well attended

Despite the steady rain, the run/walk still headed off from Concession 11 in front of Co-An Park and headed through McGregor

Runners and walkers got a chance to race and relax with a beer afterward over the weekend.

The McGregor Mug Run and Beer Festival was held last Saturday with the 5K run/walk starting and ending in front of Co-An Park with the beer festival following inside the park. While runners got wet this year, they were able to stay under the pavilion to enjoy the five bands that performed and sample beer from eight local breweries. 

A children’s area was also added this year where young people could also come and have some fun of their own with activities and games geared to their age group. That included a visit from the Essex Fire Department.

“It’s good. A little bit of water will never stop us,” said organizer Ryan Raymond. “We got over 200 runners.”

A good year is about 250 runners, he noted, with this year getting close to that mark. About 220 pre-registered and more came in during the day Saturday. Some came as far as Hamilton, he said.

Runners enjoyed some beer after the race thanks to eight local breweries.

Breweries included Craftheads Brewing Company, G.L. Heritage Brewing Co., Top Dog Brewing Company, Chapter Two Brewing Company, Flying Monkeys Craft Brewery, NE1 Spirits, Lot 10 Brewing Company and Broadhead Brewery

Bands included Summervibe Sounds, Years of Earnest, Leave Those Kids Alone, Max Marshall and Carson Janik.

The music is a mix of rock, country, singer/songwriter and more, he added.

Diamond in the Rough, Vittorio’s on the Go and Triple J Jamaican Jerk were the food vendors, the latter coming in from the Toronto area.

In addition to the 200-plus participants in the run/walk, Raymond said they average 700-900 people at the beer festival itself over the last three years.

Summervibe Sounds was one of five bands that performed at the McGregor Mug Run & Beer Fest.

“It’s just an awesome event and people have a good time,” said Raymond.

Proceeds from the McGregor Mug Run and Beer Festival continue to benefit Epilepsy Southwestern Ontario. It has been running for 11 of the last 13 years, the only two being missed due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

People may think McGregor is out of the way, he added, but they showed great things can happen there.

“We put on a good show,” he said.

McGregor Mug Run & Ber Fest wet but well attended

By Ron Giofu