The Hackney Half is one of the most popular races in the city, which means getting a spot at the event is no easy feat. Good thing then that another half marathon will be hosted in east London this year. After the success of the Run Shoreditch 10K, the organisers (the very same behind the Hackney Half, the Oxford Half and the Saucony London 10K) are turning it onto a half distance race for 2026.
The championship finale of the Beer City Half Northern California Series will feature $5,000 in prize money and a full day of fresh beer in San Ramon on Sunday, Oct. 26. Sunday's festivities start early, as runners will take off at 8:30 a.m. to participate in a half marathon, 10K and a 5K along scenic routes around the 2.5-mile loop on Annabel Lake and parts of the 32-mile Iron Horse Trail. The winner of the half marathon will receive something known as the Golden Growler. Runners will cross the finish line and head straight to the Beer City Festival, which calls itself a "traveling beer circus" that is spending the weekend in San Ramon showcasing the East Bay's top craft beers, live music, games and food.
When it comes to running shoe technology, Brooks is normally a follower rather than a trendsetter. Nike, Puma, New Balance, Saucony and even Skechers started using supercritical midsole foams years before Brooks joined in on the fun. Brooks' first innovative shoe was the Aurora-BL concept trainer in 2021 that used DNA Loft V3 (supercritical EVA). The Aurora-BL had a fun, energetic ride unlike any other Brooks trainer. It's still my favourite Brooks running shoe to date.
