Thirteenth Annual Whiskey Flat Trail Run

The annual Whiskey Flat Trail Run was completed this past Saturday. Kern River Outfitters' guide Darby Verven started a non-profit agency called Run For A Way that has organized this run for the past thirteen years. Darby, a veteran of two IronMan Triathlons, is a retired Kern County Special Education teacher and currently is a full time Kern River Outfitters guide with over 28 years running the Kern. He started this agency with the goal of promoting "health, wellness, and fitness" for everyone in the Kern Valley. Proceeds from this race have helped to provide a swim program for kids based at the swimming pool at the South Fork Middle School, a BMX bike track in the Kern Valley, and funds to help the South Fork Middle School's track team compete in off-site competitions, among other noble efforts. It has also provided funds to members of the local community who have needed help raising funds to fight challenging illnesses.

The race has 5k and 10k events as well as a "Kids" run. The youngest participant this year was Ella Mauer who ran the race with her mom Kristina and friend Emma in tow. There is also a team award for the fastest four person team entry. This year, a group of Forest Service fire fighters won the rotating team trophy. They are entitled to host the trophy for one year as well as receive four "growlers" filled with the fine beers from the Kern River Brewery. Congratulations to these fine, fast, fire fightin' fellas.

Kern River Outfitters is proud to be a sponsor of this race and looks forward to many more years of helping with this excellent event.

Here are a few photos of Saturday's competition:

Darby Pointing the Way

Pre-Race Briefing

Stretching Out Prior to the Run

Ella Mauer. . .the Youngest Competitor this Year

A Few Gals in the Home Stretch

The 2010 "Team Trophy"Winners

Return of the Pub and Grub on the Lower Kern River

Most already know that the Kern River offers up some of California's best rafting trips and whitewater, but only recently can the Kern River Valley boast about their beer. The Kern River Brewing Company opened their doors in 2006 and quickly became a favorite after-paddle hangout for guides and customers alike.

The Pub and Grub returns in 2009!

Two years ago we "brewed-up" a grand idea: we took the world-class 2-day rafting trip we offer on the Lower Kern River and paired it up with beer tasting at our private camp along the banks of the river. Of course, the star and feature of this event is the Kern River Brewing Company and their selection of outstanding brews.

Last year's Pub and Grub was an outrageous success!

This week the tradition lives on! We still have space on the first day (our Camp Run trip) that concludes at camp. You can spend the day rafting and the evening and night at our Lower Kern camp tasting beers and enjoying good food.

For additional information on the Pub and Grub, give us a ring at 1-800-323-4234.

Love the idea but can't go on the trip?

You can still experience the magic vicariously (kind of) through our blog. We'll be taking lots of photos and video that will be posted here at the conclusion of the trip. Sure, you won't be able to taste the brews or the food, but we hope to "quench" your interest!

Cheers,
Team KRO