The sun was shining, and the kegs were flowing Saturday for a good cause.
About 80 runners/beer enthusiasts turned out for the fifth annual Taylor Veterans 5K Beer Run hosted by the American Legion Graham D. Luhn Post 39 in Taylor.
Participants enjoyed four-ounce tasters along the 3.1-mile course of different flavors of beer from the Texas Beer Company.
“A good time was had by all,” said race organizer and event founder Scott Dean, the post’s commander. “I always have a good time, but then of course I am the guy who sets out the beer on the course, and I have to do a taste test to make sure it meets the standards.”
Dean said during the race, however, people do not consume very much alcohol.
“The whole course, you will drink a total of maybe two beers,” Dean said. “And then all the extra beer we take back up to the hall and give it away until it’s all gone, or everybody leaves, whatever comes first.”
Though final numbers have not yet been tallied, Dean said the proceeds from the race brought in between $8,000 -$10,000 this year for several Taylor-based charitable causes, including the Taylor Educational Enrichment Foundation, a scholarship for a Taylor High School graduate, and a veterans crisis fund.
In addition, all of the different goods and services that went into putting on the event were done locally, Dean said.
“All of our shirts are made locally, all the beer is brewed locally, purchased locally, all of our medals and awards are purchased locally, and all the printing is done locally,” Dean said.
“The American Legion is happy to be part of the community of Taylor,” he added. “And we will keep doing our part to help the community grow.”
