One of my goals for 2025 is to participate in the Rock 'n' Roll Half Marathon in Tempe, Arizona, this coming January. Notice I didn't say "run." I don't run much anymore. I'll mostly be walking but it's still 13.1 miles no matter how you do it and there'll still be beer at the finish line.
Actually, I'm assuming there will be beer at the finish line. There usually is at these types of events although it doesn't make much sense, does it? Thousands of athletes drinking beer at 10 in the morning...
Nevertheless, while I'm in Tempe I plan to sample a little of the beer scene as well. Between the start/finish line and the Phoenix Convention Center, where pre-race events take place in the days prior, there are four breweries that can be accessed by Valley Metro Rail . Even better, an all day pass to ride is only $4.
Phoenix's light rail route covers 30 miles from northwest Phoenix through Tempe to east Mesa. I'm sure there are plenty more breweries along the way but if you're in town for the Rock 'n' Roll event, I have some suggestions.
If you're staying in Tempe near Arizona State University, you can catch a train at 3rd & Mill. It will take you about 40 minutes to get to the Convention Center if you go straight there. (Get off at 3rd & Washington.) If you want to sample some beer along the way, you might get off at 44th Street & Washington first and walk to Walter Station Brewery. Continuing on from there, you might save your next brew for after packet pickup at the Convention Center.
From the Convention Center, you can walk to Huss Brewing Company which is just north of the convention center on Monroe between 2nd and 3rd. To get back to Tempe, you'll have to walk to 1st & Jefferson or 3rd & Jefferson. Or, you could walk to 1st & Van Buren but then you might be tempted to stop at State 48 Brewery at 4th & Van Buren. Remember, hydration means water not beer and you have a race to participate in. Focus!
Hopping back on the train headed back to Tempe, regardless of your decision, get off at 24th and Jefferson to get to PHX Beer Company. This brewery is between two stops so whether you decide to go on the way to the convention center (stop at 38th & Washington) or on the way back (24th & Jefferson), you'll have a longer walk - almost a mile each way. If you're saving your legs (or had enough beer at this point), stay on the train all the way back to Tempe. There, you can head to Pedal Haus Brewery, getting off back at 3rd & Mill. Pedal Haus also offers food which, by this point, you will probably need. There's mac n cheese on the menu if you're carbo-loading. Alternatively, you can go after the Rock 'n' Roll when they will be serving brunch not to mention beer.
I haven't been to Walter Station or PHX but I can enthusiastically recommend Huss, State 48, and Pedal Haus. Whatever your goals, I hope this provides a useful guide. And if you're participating at the Rock 'n' Roll, have a great race (however you get to the finish line).
#Goals, #BeerCareful, #DrinkLocal, #AZCraftBeer
