Thirst Responders 5K

The Thirst Responders 5K is scheduled for Saturday, April 18, 2026, in Perth, Ontario. This unique "beer run" format pits four teams—Police, Fire, Paramedics, and Military—against each other in a head-to-head competition of speed and consumption. Perth is a historic town in Lanark County, known for its well-preserved limestone architecture and a population that is approximately 91% White, with a growing emphasis on supporting its local first responder community. The event is hosted at 29 Beckwith Street East, the site of Bridge Masters Brewing Co., which serves as a central hub for local craft beer enthusiasts and community gatherings.

Competition and Scoring

Participants will drink a 5oz beer before each of the four 1.25K loops, totaling 20oz of Bridge Masters' beer. Scoring is based on gun time, and individual results are aggregated to determine the fastest overall team. While the competition is designed for friendly rivalry between uniformed services, the race is open to friends and supporters who can register to represent their chosen team. The event concludes with a post-race party featuring live entertainment and an awards ceremony for the top male, female, and team finishers.

Registration and Tiers

Registration is currently open with early bird pricing starting at CA$40.02</strong> for active or retired service members and <strong>CA$45.41 for supporters. Prices increase as the event reaches specific registration milestones, eventually reaching a sell-out price of CA$56.20 and CA$61.59, respectively. Entry fees include the beer consumed during the race, a finisher medal, and access to the post-race festivities. Due to the strict 160-runner capacity limit (40 slots per team), early registration is highly encouraged to ensure a spot on a specific team.

Logistics and Contact

The race takes place in the heart of Perth, with the course utilizing the streets surrounding the brewery. Participants must be of legal drinking age to participate in the beer consumption portion of the event. For further information regarding team assignments or local parking for the event, contact organizer Heather Domereckyj through the official race portal. The event is a staple for the local Bridge Masters community, combining athletic endurance with the town’s vibrant social scene.