Keep Fit: Montauk Brewathlon Supports Local Charities
If I had to describe my ideal Saturday, it would involve running, beer and Montauk. Throw in raising money for a worthy nonprofit — one that supports such missions and uniquely East End causes as a surf camp for autistic children — and you’ve produced a dream daycation: the biannual Paddlers for Humanity Montauk Brewathlon. Fittingly, the event combines our area’s love of the outdoors, raising money for local charities and beer.
The Montauk Brewathlon, to be held on April 19 from 2–5 p.m., celebrates the sprit of the East End. This season’s race is a 5,000-meter stationary row, a 10K bike and a 5K run, starting at the Montauk Brewery at 62 South Erie Avenue in Montauk. Fitness—and beer—aficionados can compete in the team or single division. Teams consist of three people, and must include one female. All levels of athletes are welcome to participate.
“It’s the ideal event for Paddlers for Humanity,” Paddlers for Humanity (P4H) board member Fred Doss says. “It stresses community, athletics, movement, challenge and joy, and all to raise funds to enhance the lives of children and youth.”
There is a $250 participation fee for each team, and each member receives a race shirt, Brewathlon glass and one raffle ticket. The top three teams receive a prize. To support P4H’s mission, all proceeds are donated to various organizations focused on bettering the lives of children.
This is P4H’s second Brewathlon. The first was held in October 2013, with that inaugural event substituting the rowing portion with a paddle on Fort Pond. P4H is planning on replicating the fall event again this October.
“First-time and returning participants will challenge themselves, have a lot of fun and know that their athletic and fundraising efforts will make a difference for a lot of people,” Doss continues.
Of course, Montauk Brewing Company will keep everyone hydrated. “Montauk Brewing Co. is a brand focused on adventure, the outdoor lifestyle, physical activity, and therefore we love being a part of events like this,” says Montauk Brewing Co. co-founder Vaughan Cutillo.
Paddlers for Humanity is an East Hampton–based nonprofit that raises money for children and youth charities. The organization has raised more than $700,000 to give to such organizations as the East End food pantries, the East Hampton Day Care Learning Center, the Montauk Playhouse Community Center, The Retreat and LICOP (Long Island Communities of Practice).
The Brewathlon is just one in a series of summer events that benefit Paddlers for Humanity. Next up is the 6th annual Hither Hills Off-Road Half Marathon on May 4. Also on tap is P4H’s marquee event, the Block Challenge. The first-ever P4H event, the Block Challenge is an 18-mile, open-ocean paddle from the Montauk Lighthouse to Block Island. Forty-five athletic do-gooders paddled last year, and more are expected in 2014. This year’s paddle will occur on Saturday, August 9.
Of course, those who are less athletically inclined should pick the Brewathlon as their P4H event of choice. Think about the reward carbs you’ll be able to indulge after the race.
Visit p4h.org for additional info on P4H, to register for the Brewathlon and to learn more about sponsoring a Brewathlon team.