As I gear up for my second go at the Novant Health Wilmington Marathon Relay this weekend, I thought it would be fun to take a little stroll down memory lane for #WayBackWednesday and share the story of my first-ever relay race—the unforgettable Copperhead 20K Beer Relay in Hampstead, NC!
The Copperhead 20K Beer Relay: My Introduction to Team Races
Let me set the scene—it was August 2016, and I was about to dive into something totally new for me: a trail relay race with a twist. The Copperhead 20K isn’t your typical relay. It’s a fun, high-energy trail race where teams divide the 20K distance (that’s about 12.4 miles) into laps, with each lap being roughly a 5K.
But here’s the kicker—you can shave off 2 minutes from your lap time by drinking either a beer or a cup of chocolate milk before heading out for your run. Sounds simple enough, right? Well, here’s where my nerves kicked in…
The Beer Dilemma 🍺😬
Let’s get one thing straight: I am NOT a beer drinker. And I was stressed about the idea of chugging a beer right before running a 5K on a wooded trail. But my competitive side got the better of me—I wasn’t going to miss out on those 2 bonus minutes!
Our team of four was ready to go, each of us taking on one lap. When it was my turn, I nervously grabbed the beer, determined to power through. But let me tell you, it took me forever to drink it. I probably spent the entire 2 minutes they would’ve taken off my time just trying to finish it. 🤦♀️
I was the last one out of the shoot, but after a few burps (keeping it real here!), I actually felt fine and hit the trail. The relief was REAL. 😂
Oh, and the baton? It wasn’t your standard relay baton—it was a literal beer can (although they’ve since swapped it out for a regular baton).
A Tradition Was Born 🍻🏅
That 2016 race kicked off a tradition I didn’t see coming. I ended up doing the Copperhead 20K Beer Relay eight years in a row after that first time. The team has changed members over the years, but the fun and energy of the race have stayed the same.
Sadly, I missed it for the first time last year, but I’m hopeful I’ll be back at it again soon. It’s one of those races that blends the perfect amount of competition, camaraderie, and a little chaos.
Why I Love Relay Races 🏃♀️💚
There’s something special about team races. It’s not just about your personal best or hitting a PR—it’s about working together, cheering each other on, and making memories that stick with you long after race day.
Whether it’s a beer relay or a more traditional marathon relay, these events remind me that running doesn’t always have to be about speed or medals—it can be about fun, community, and pushing yourself in new ways.
Here’s to Many More Relays! 🥂
As I lace up for this weekend’s Novant Health Wilmington Marathon Relay, I can’t help but smile at how far I’ve come since that first beer-chugging, trail-running adventure.
Have you ever done a relay race? Or have a race tradition you keep going back to? Drop your stories in the comments—I’d love to hear them!
And if you’re ever debating whether to drink the beer before your leg of a relay… well, I say go for it. Just maybe take it slow if you’re not a beer fan. 😉