There Will be Mud: This Sunday, the Goats are Coming

Let’s file this one under counter-programming.

While thousands will line the streets of South Philadelphia to watch the 33rd iteration of the Broad Street Run on Sunday, about 3,000 will gather behind Sly Fox Brewery to watch a bunch of goats race each other.

Did we mention there will be beer?

As it is each year on May’s first Sunday, the Sly Fox Bock Festival and Goat Race will be held on May 6 at 2 p.m. behind its Phoenixville brewhouse. Before, after, and—who are we kidding—during the race, the brewery will host a tasting festival in front of its Kimberton Road location, where goat enthusiasts are invited to fill themselves to the brim on its German menu of bock-style beers.

Brewmaster Brian O’Reilly will have on tap Slacker Bock, Helles Bock, Instigator Doppelbock, two Eisbocks and, after the race, a Maibock. The latter brew will be tapped for the first time after a champion is crowned and named in honor of the winning goat.

This year’s 50-goat field (herd?) is headed by reigning champion “Peggy”—a two and a half year old, three-legged doe who upset then-twice defending champion “Dax” last May in a photo finish.

The festival runs from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Parking is available at the Kimberton Fairgrounds, from which shuttle service is available to the race.