Old Caz Beer Partners with Healdsburg Running Company to Launch “FALL CLASSIC” Beer

September 30, 2026

New Partnership Will Help Raise $100,000 To Support Firefighters, Their Families and Future Generations of Firefighters

HEALDSBURG, Calif. (September 30, 2026) /ENDURANCE SPORTSWIRE/ — Old Caz Beer and Healdsburg Running Company (HRC) are partnering for the inaugural Sonoma Fall Classic to support firefighters through the Firefighters Run Free program.

The partnership will launch a new beer, Fall Classic, created by Old Caz Beer and runner Hunter. The beer will debut at the Sonoma Fall Classic on October 17, 2026, at Lake Sonoma, with proceeds helping HRC and its community partners build a long-term $100,000 fundraising program supporting firefighters and their families.

The partnership grows out of a relationship between HRC and the firefighting community that began during the devastating 2020 Walbridge Fire, which burned thousands of acres around Lake Sonoma and devastated much of the surrounding park.

During the fire and the COVID-19 pandemic, HRC helped raise nearly $50,000 to provide food and support for firefighters working on the front lines.

In 2025, HRC and the Lake Sonoma race community expanded that effort by allowing more than 80 firefighters to run free in the Lake Sonoma 100-mile race. After Lake Sonoma had experienced major fires multiple times, HRC believed it was important to give back to the men and women who had come into the community to protect it.

The vision was simple: let firefighters camp free, run free, eat free and enjoy a weekend in the park they helped save.

Now, HRC Wants To Take That Mission Further

“We wanted to do more than simply say thank you,” said Skip Brand, Healdsburg Running Company. “These men and women come into our communities when things are at their worst. Many of them are also the people who make our communities stronger every day. We want to give back locally and build something that lasts.”

The goal of the Firefighters Run Free campaign is to raise $100,000 through the new beer and additional fundraising efforts during 2026 and 2027.

Funds will support programs designed to help firefighters and their families, including:

• Supporting firefighters dealing with PTSD and the mental-health challenges of the job

• Providing scholarships and educational support for the children of fallen firefighters

•Continuing opportunities for firefighters to run, camp and participate in community events at no cost

• Providing food and other forms of direct support for firefighters

• Building additional local programs that support firefighters and their families

A Partnership Built Around Community

Old Caz Beer has quickly become a major part of Sonoma County’s running and outdoor community. The brewery recently expanded its presence with its new backyard brewery in Petaluma and has hosted hundreds of runners through its relationship with Healdsburg Running Company.

Old Caz Beer has also partnered with the running community on trail-focused beers and fundraising efforts benefiting local parks, including work connected to Annadel State Park. This ‘Trail Ale’ is part of our ‘Out and Back Series’ – beers we develop to honor the Sonoma County parks, trails and landmarks we know and love.

That shared commitment to running, beer, the outdoors and giving back made the partnership with HRC a
natural fit.

“Old Caz Beer and Healdsburg Running Company share the belief that local businesses can play a meaningful role in supporting the communities around them,” said Chris Terry, Old Caz Beer Brand Manager. “Firefighters Run Free is exactly the kind of project we want to be part of.”

The first “Fall Classic” beer will be available at the Sonoma Fall Classic on October 17, where runners, firefighters and community members will come together at Lake Sonoma.

The beer will also be available through Old Caz and future community events, allowing people to continue supporting the campaign beyond race weekend.

For HRC, the Goal Is Bigger Than One Race or One Beer

“We hope the fire season is behind us, but we know we have to continue doing everything we can to support these amazing men and women,” said Skip. “They keep us safe, but they are also fathers, mothers, sons, daughters, neighbors, coaches and pillars of our communities. We believe we need to act locally and think globally. We are incredibly proud to have Old Caz Beer alongside us.”

Firefighters Run Free

One beer. One community. One goal: $100,000 to give back to those who protect us.

About Healdsburg Running Company

Healdsburg Running Company (HRC) is a locally owned running specialty business and community organization based in Healdsburg, California. HRC supports runners, trail runners, local parks, community events and charitable causes throughout Sonoma County.

About Old Caz Beer

Old Caz Beer is a Sonoma County brewery rooted in craft beer, community, outdoor culture and the people who make the region special. Its partnership with Healdsburg Running Company continues Old Caz’s commitment to bringing runners, beer lovers and the local community together.

Media Contact:

Healdsburg Running Company
Skip Brand, Founder and
Race Director Sonoma Fall Classic

skip@skipbrand.com

650-274-9433
IG: Firefigthersrunfree
Sonomafallclassic.com
Chris Terry
Old Caz Beer
Brand Manager
Ct@oldcaz.com