BAKERSFIELD, Calif. – Cal State Bakersfield is proud to announce the launch of `Runner Gold, the official beer of the University, which will be sold in the Icardo Center at home basketball, volleyball, and wrestling contests beginning Oct. 28.
The light lager is a cooperative effort between Temblor Brewing Company and Lengthwise Brewing Company, two powerhouses in Kern County brewing.
"We are so proud to offer `Runner Gold to fans of CSUB Athletics," said President Vernon B. Harper Jr. "We have heard from the community for years now that the only thing missing from the fan experience at the Icardo Center is a frosty, refreshing lager. Thanks to our brewing partners, we have perfected a recipe that will give the Roadrunner community something to cheer about here at Kern County's University."
The venture serves as a notable enhancement to the CSUB fan gameday experience while also providing another way to support Roadrunner Athletics. All proceeds from ice-cold cans of `Runner Gold beer sold in venue will go directly to the Athletics Department. The beer will also be on tap at Temblor on Buck Owens Boulevard and the Lengthwise location on Ming Avenue, with a portion of sales returning to CSUB to support the `Runners in their vision of Graduating Leaders and Pursuing Championships.
`Runner Gold will burst onto the CSUB scene on Oct. 28 at `Runners Hoopfest, presented by Bakersfield Hyundai. The annual event features a first look at the CSUB men's and women's basketball teams and an opportunity for one lucky fan to win a free vehicle, courtesy of Bakersfield Hyundai. The women's basketball team will host a three-point shooting contest, and men's basketball will introduce an exciting end to their scrimmage with the Elam Ending!
Admission to this event is free to the public as the `Runners welcome the start of basketball season.
"It's a true thrill to be collaborating with Lengthwise and CSUB on `Runner Gold Light Lager," said Don Bynum, CEO of Temblor Brewing Company. "My exposure to higher education and collegiate athletics started with CSUB, and my craft beer journey started with Lengthwise. A big thank you to the Lengthwise team and CSUB leadership for teaming up to make history happen. Cheers!"
"Lengthwise has a long history with CSUB, dating back to the 1980s," said Zak Karlen, co-owner of Lengthwise Brewing Company. "Both the previous owners and I graduated from CSUB. When Temblor approached us about collaborating on making a beer for CSUB, the decision was easy. We are honored to be a part of `Runner Gold, and we're looking forward to further strengthening our relationship with CSUB and Temblor."
`Runner Gold is set to be the official beer for CSUB Athletics for the 2025-26 season, and Cal State Bakersfield is excited about expanding opportunities in the future. Local restaurants and businesses interested in serving `Runner Gold in their establishments can connect with an Advanced Beverage Company representative for more information.
"This collaboration represents the momentum and energy surrounding CSUB Athletics right now," said Dr. Sarah Tuohy, CSUB's Acting Director of Athletics. "Working with Temblor and Lengthwise not only enhances the fan experience but also strengthens our ties with the local community. We're thrilled to launch `Runner Gold as a symbol of that shared pride and partnership."
Whether you are an adult beverage connoisseur, an avid CSUB basketball fan or both, do not miss out on your chance to enjoy an electric time rooting for the `Runners. Ensure that you can taste `Runner Gold and experience the excitement of Kern County's Division I basketball teams by visiting GoRunners.com/Tickets today to get Rowdy Passes or single-game tickets. Skip the line, buy online!
~GoRunners.com~
