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Run For Nature | Run For Preservation

Dogfish Dash

Our off-centered race returns on Sunday, September 27!

Register today!

Our off-centered race through Milton is back for another incredible year! Join us for our 18th annual Dogfish Dash on Sunday, Sept. 28th! This year, all proceeds will go to our friends at the Sussex County Land Trust, and though it’s the same race day you know and love, including yet another Recycled Costume Contest, there will also be some newness, like a shorter, walking ‘race’ for hoomans and their pups and a race route Cheer Squad!

Registration is NOW OPEN for both the 5K(ish) race and our NEW 3K walk.

Sam Calagione hi-fiving people at the start of a Dogfish Dash

The Races

When: Sunday, Sept. 28 from 9 – 11 a.m.
(Psst ... Judging for Recycled Costume Contest will be at 8 a.m.)
Where: Dogfish Head Milton Brewery, 6 Cannery Village Center, Milton, DE 19968

Our off-centered 5K(ish) race is back and we’ll be dashing through the gorgeous town of Milton once again, though, for our returning runners, the route will look slightly different. This year, we’re making some tweaks to the route to encourage a Cheer Squad of supporters to line the race route and cheer on runners. Plus, we’ll be adding a route for our new 3K walk, which is encouraged for Dashers bringing their pups. Stay tuned ... our pals at Seashore Striders will be releasing the official race routes soon, though the races will still leave and return to our Milton Brewery.

Register to nab your spot!

Dashers can register here for $50 for runners and $40 for walkers, and the registration fee includes some sweet runner goodies including a t-shirt, a running belt, and two beverage tickets (21+ only) to our post-run party. Stick around after the race (& bring your friends) to enjoy our draft beer trailer and activities from Sussex County Land Trust and other partners on-site during our post-run party. 

Keep in mind, there will be no packet pick-up on the day of Dogfish Dash! Registered Dashers must pick up their packets at one of the following packet pick-up events ahead of Dash day:

Packet Pick-Up Events: ·

  • Wednesday, Sept. 24 at Brewings & Eats from 4 – 8 p.m.
  • Saturday, Sept. 27 at our Milton Brewery from 12 - 5 p.m.

*Bibs cannot be traded or transferred at any time and we cannot provide exchanges for t-shirts sizes, as these are ordered based on the sizes provided at registration.

 

Cheer Squad

Want to cheer on all the folks Dashing along the way?? This year you can! We’re encouraging any and all supporters to line this year’s race route (details coming soon) and cheer on your fellow Dashers! So grab your pals, bring some signs, and get ready to CHEER!

We’ll also be hosting a sign-making craft night to help get the wheels turning! Swing on by the Milton Brewery on Thursday, September 25th from 4 – 6 p.m. to make some cheer signs with us. We’ll provide the crafting supplies – you bring the cheer!

 

Recycled Costume Contest

We’re continuing the tradition of our Recycled Costume Contest, so grab your recyclables, get to crafting and show up on race day with your costume! All you have to do is create a costume out of recycled objects (think old beer cans, cardboard, bottle caps and so on) and show up for the contest for your chance to win some sweet prizes!

Not sure where to start? This year we’ll be hosting a costume-making party on Thursday, September 25th at our Milton Brewery. Swing on by from 4 – 6 p.m. where you can grab some recycled supplies and get to crafting!

PLUS, we’ll also have some recycled materials available at both packet pick-up events listed above.

 

 

How the contest works:

  • Gather your recycled materials, or pick some up at our crafting night or packet pick up
  • Finalize a costume idea (bonus points if you can tie your costume into a Sussex County Land Trust theme!) and then get to crafting!
  • Show up to Dogfish Dash day in your costume! Anyone interested in being entered into the contest should gather at the stage between 8 - 8:30 a.m. on race day for judging

Recycled Costume Contest Winners will receive:

  • Group 1st Place: Private Beer Dinner**
  • Group 2nd Place: Private Brewery Tour for up to 10 people*
  • Group 3rd Place: Private Brewery Tour for up to 6 people*
  • Individual 1st Place: Dogfish Head x Grateful Dead LED
  • Individual 2nd Place: Dogfish Head Swag
  • Individual 3rd Place: Dogfish Head Swag

** This prize is for up to 10 people and must be given a 2-week notice prior to the Private Beer Dinner. Subject to availability, blackout dates apply.
*Subject to availability, blackout dates apply.

 

Fireside Chat

When: Friday, Sept. 26 at 5 p.m.
Where: Dogfish INN, 105 Savannah Road, Lewes, DE 19958

Kick off dash weekend at the Dogfish INN! On Friday, September 26th at 5 p.m., we’ll be gathering around the fireside with our friends from Sussex County Land Trust to chat about all things nature, trails, and preservation! Swing on by (and bring your friends) to get the goodness rolling.

 

Stay With Us

You’re going to be running nearly 4 whole miles for Dogfish Dash ... why not treat yourself to an off-centered vacation at the Dogfish INN while you’re at it?!

Price:

  • King and Queen Rooms - $329 per night (Friday-Sunday), plus taxes.
  • Cottage Sweet - $569 per night (Friday-Sunday), plus taxes.
  • Add on Sunday night for $119 ($229 for the Cottage Sweet), plus tax

What’s Included + The Schedule: When you book at the Dogfish Inn for Dash weekend, you get access to all the goodness below.

Friday, September 26

  • 3:00pm: Check INN. Race packets will be provided in your rooms
  • 5:00pm – 6:00pm: VIP seating at the Fireside Chat with our pals from Sussex County Land Trust

Saturday, September 27:

On your own, enjoy the beautiful place we call home or rest up for the race! Let the INN team help you set up reservations for tours and tables at our other Dogfish Head properties, and/or explore the surrounding area with our e-bike rentals and/or free usage of our standard bikes!

Sunday, September 28

  • 7:00am – 7:30am: Light grab & go breakfast provided by the INN
  • 7:30am: Reserved parking spots at the Milton Brewery for the Dash
  • 9:00am: Dogfish Dash
  • 12:00pm: Late check out, or add Sunday night at a discount!

To snag your INN reservations, give us a call at (302)-644-8292! To ensure you get all of these amazing add ons to your dash experience, please let our team know you have registered for the dash when you book your room.

 

Beer & Benevolence

We’re incredibly excited to, once again, run for nature and preserve our local public lands by donating all proceeds from the Dogfish Dash to our pals at the Sussex County Land Trust. Sussex County Land Trust is a nonprofit conservation organization dedicated to protecting natural, cultural, agricultural and recreational resources through land preservation, stewardship, and education for today and tomorrow.

Some of their latest projects have included Hudson Park, where they are developing a trail head that connects to the Georgetown-Lewes Trail. Parking lots were completed in 2023 with phases 2 and 3 bringing a bathroom facility, Can-Do Playground in partnership with the Sussex Country Rotary Clubs, and restoration of the existing tree line.

They also have been working on the Forest of Broadkill Preserve, a 294+ acre property just outside downtown Milton, DE. This area was known for logging and has several existing trails that Sussex County Land Trust have already completed renovations on. More plans for this site include a mountain bike trail, reforestation, and an area to enhance quail habitats. Check out all of their amazing work and more at www.sclandtrust.org/.

 

FAQs

Will locations be closed to the public during these events?
Yes! Unfortunately, our Milton Brewery will be closed on Sunday, Sept. 28 for Dogfish Dash, but we encourage fans to come by and cheer on the runners while enjoying Dogfish Head goodness from our draft trailer.

Is this a 21+ and only event?
Nope! This event is open to all ages, though only runners 21+ will receive two drink tickets.

Is the Dogfish Dash pet friendly?
Yes, bring the doggos! Though, if you’re interested in Dashing with your pup, we’d encourage you to join this year’s NEW 3K walk.

Will there be beer to purchase?
Yes! Our draft trailer will be there selling some goodness!

What happens if it rains?
This race is happening rain or shine - so come prepared!

Will brewery tours be available in Milton during the race on Sunday ?
No, tours will not be available on Dash day (Sunday, Sept. 28) since the Milton Brewery will be closed, but you can always hop on one Friday or Saturday! Check out our tour offering.

Where should I park?
Parking at the Milton Brewery is first come, first serve, so we recommend planning ahead or carpooling to make the best out of your experience! There will also be overflow parking at both the Milton Elementary School (512 Federal St, Milton, DE 19968) and Mariner Middle School (16391 Harbeson Rd, Milton, DE 19968,).

Are these events ADA compliant?
Yes, if you require special accommodations to make your way through the event , please reach out to us at events@dogfish.com

Who can I contact for more information?
For more information about Dogfish Dash, contact events@dogfish.com.

Are there refunds?
Due to all proceeds being donated to the Sussex County Land Trust, race registration cannot be refunded.

Sunday, Sept. 27

The 19th annual Dogfish Dash!

Our off-centered race through Milton is back for another incredible year! Join us for our 19th annual Dogfish Dash on Sunday, Sept. 27. This year, all proceeds will go to our friends at the Sussex County Land Trust. Get ready for the same race day you know and love, including the return of our Recycled Costume Contest, plus a walk for the dogs & their humans!

We've also added MUSIC stops throughout the course this year!

Registration is now open for the 5K(ish) run and 3K walk! 

Register

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The Races

When: Sunday, Sept. 27 from 9 - 11 a.m.
(Psst ... Judging for the Recycled Costume Contest will be at 8 a.m.)

Where: Dogfish Head Milton Brewery, 6 Cannery Village Center, Milton, DE 19968

Our off-centered 5K(ish) race is back and we’ll be dashing through the gorgeous town of Milton once again. Plus, there will be a route for our 3K walk, where Dashers are encouraged to bringing their pups.

PLUS, we've got something new this year, and it's going to rock! As we celebrate the 19th annual Dogfish Dash, we're turning up the volume with live music stops throughout the course! Runners will be cheered on by local musicians and performers at four music stops along the 5(ish)K route, while participants in the Dogfish Dash 3K Walk will enjoy a dedicated music stop of their own. These musical pit stops will add energy, surprises, and plenty of good vibes from start to finish.

Whether you're chasing a PR or enjoying a leisurely stroll with your pup, you'll have a soundtrack to keep you moving. Get ready to experience our most spirited Dash yet, all while supporting the vital conservation work of the Sussex County Land Trust.

Dashers can register HERE for $50 for runners and $40 for walkers, and the registration fee includes some sweet runner goodies including a t-shirt, a reusable bag, and two beverage tickets (21+ only) for our post-run party. Stick around after the race (& bring your friends) to enjoy our draft beer trailer and activities from Sussex County Land Trust and other partners on-site during our post-run party.

Please keep in mind, there will be no packet pick-up on the day of Dogfish Dash! Registered Dashers must pick up their packets at one of our packet pick-up events ahead of Dash day.

Happenings

We've got a whole lineup of events leading up to the Dogfish Dash on Sunday, Sept. 27 to get you ready for the big race!

Registration
dash-benevolence

Beer & Benevolence

We’re incredibly excited to once again run for nature and preserve local public lands by donating all proceeds from the Dogfish Dash to our pals at the Sussex County Land Trust (SCLT).
SCLT is a nonprofit conservation organization dedicated to safeguarding the land and resources that make Sussex County special. Through land preservation, stewardship, recreation, and community partnerships, SCLT works to protect the natural, agricultural, and cultural landscapes that define Sussex County for generations to come.

Learn more

One of SCLT’s flagship public access projects is Stephen P. Hudson Park in Milton, home to a trailhead connection to the Georgetown-Lewes Trail. Recent upgrades include expanded parking, ADA-accessible amenities, new trail infrastructure, and ongoing work toward the future Can-Do Playground in partnership with Sussex County Rotary Clubs.

SCLT has also made major investments at the Forest of the Broadkill Preserve, a 294+ acre property just outside downtown Milton and only minutes from our Milton Brewery. Once heavily logged, the preserve is being transformed through trail restoration, reforestation, habitat enhancement, and expanded public access. Recent volunteer efforts - including our Benevolence Day - helped build and improve new trail sections throughout the property.

Additional projects across Sussex County include historic preservation initiatives, water access planning, conservation easements, and the recent preservation of the 88-acre Ard na Gréine property near Lewes - one of the last large open spaces east of Route 1.

dash-costume

Recycled Costume Contest

We’re continuing the tradition of our Recycled Costume Contest, so grab your recyclables (think old beer cans, cardboard, bottle caps and so on), get to crafting and show up on race day with your costume! To enter, meet at the stage between 8 - 8:30 a.m. on race day for judging. 

Recycled Costume Contest Winners will receive:
- Group 1st Place: Private Beer Dinner for up to 10 people
- Group 2nd Place: Private Brewery Tour for up to 10 people
- Group 3rd Place: Private Brewery Tour for up to 6 people
- Individual 1st, 2nd & 3rd Place: Dogfish Head Swag

Open Water is keeping us hydrated at this year’s Dash! They’re generously donating all the water to help Dashers re-fuel after the race. Perfect for quenching your thirst before you cheers with your two well-earned race beers!

Frequently asked questions