athletic brewing run wild: A Bold NA IPA for Sober Nights

Last updated: September 15, 2025

She lands in a new city and chooses clarity over cocktails. Her guidebook is a map and her mindset stays sharp. With Athletic Brewing Run Wild in hand she still joins every toast and remembers every laugh. The night feels vibrant and the morning feels easy.

They lean into connection not haze. Alcohol free choices open doors and conversations. Friends relax because no one needs to keep score. Servers smile and bring a cold Run Wild that tastes bold and bright. The group keeps the energy high and the plans on track. It’s craft flavor without the fog. It’s social confidence that lasts from first cheers to sunrise trails.

What Is Athletic Brewing Run Wild

Athletic Brewing Run Wild is a flagship non alcoholic IPA crafted for alcohol free living and social settings. It supports sober travel and wellness travel with a craft beer taste and <0.5% ABV.

Brand Background

Athletic Brewing started in 2017 with founders Bill Shufelt and John Walker, and it focuses on non alcoholic drinks for active life and sober lifestyle needs. The company operates breweries in Milford, Connecticut and San Diego, California, and it ships across the US for easy access on alcohol free holidays and events (source: Athletic Brewing). Athletic Brewing holds Certified B Corporation status, and its Two For The Trails program donates up to 2% of sales to outdoor projects, which aligns with recovery friendly values and sober community goals (source: Athletic Brewing). Travelers see the brand in stadiums, music venues, and airports, and that coverage reduces friction during sober travel. They find consistent labeling, clear nutrition panels, and widely available styles like Run Wild, which supports simple swaps for mocktails and other non alcoholic drinks in mixed groups.

The Run Wild Flagship NA IPA

Run Wild is a balanced NA IPA brewed with a blend of Northwest hops for pine and citrus notes, and it carries <0.5% ABV, 65 calories, and about 14 g carbs per 12 oz can (source: Athletic Brewing). The malt profile reads clean with moderate bitterness, and the finish stays crisp, which helps in bars where alcohol free options feel limited. Travelers use Run Wild at hotel lounges, airport bars, and group dinners as a direct swap for standard IPAs. They keep momentum during early hikes and city tours with no foggy mornings.

• Pack a soft cooler for road trips, then stock Run Wild for park picnics and recovery friendly meetups.
• Ask servers for Run Wild by name, then add a lime wedge for a simple session-ready twist.
• Log hydration between cans, then pair with alcohol free mocktails for longer events.
• Share extras at group rentals, then invite the sober community to join tastings on patios.

Taste And Aroma Profile

Athletic Brewing Run Wild delivers classic IPA cues with an alcohol free core that supports sober travel and a sober lifestyle. The aroma reads pine and citrus, then the taste lands balanced and bright for recovery friendly plans.

Hops, Bitterness, And Balance

Run Wild presents layered Northwest hops with pine, grapefruit, and orange peel. The malt sets a light biscuit base that steadies the profile. The bitterness hits medium then eases into a clean fade. The balance stays IPA true without ethanol weight, which supports long nights out and early starts for wellness travel and alcohol free holidays.

• Pair with: spicy tacos, grilled veggies, citrus salads
• Pack for: stadium games, beach picnics, trail overlooks
• Pour to: a non frosted glass for steady foam and steady aroma
• Rotate with: sparkling water for longer sessions and clear focus

Mouthfeel And Finish

Run Wild carries a medium light body with lively carbonation. The palate stays crisp then finishes dry and resin tipped. The absence of heat keeps conversation easy for those in the sober community and those exploring non alcoholic drinks and mocktails.

• Build a shandy: Run Wild, fresh lemon, pinch of salt
• Mix a michelada style: Run Wild, tomato juice, lime, chili, tajín rim
• Stock for travel: hotel mini fridge, road trip cooler, airport lounge day pass
• Toast moments: team wins, trail summits, late dinners without haze

How It’s Brewed Without Alcohol

Athletic Brewing crafts Run Wild to fit sober travel and wellness travel. They brew for flavor first, then keep ABV below the U.S. non alcoholic drinks limit.

Dealcoholization Vs Purpose-Brewed Methods

Athletic Brewing uses a purpose-brewed process that targets flavor, body, and balance from the mash. They design the grain bill and fermentation to cap alcohol formation while keeping hop aromatics that matter to the sober community. Breweries can also remove alcohol after brewing through reverse osmosis or vacuum distillation, though these steps can strip hop oils and esters, according to the Brewers Association and the Institute of Brewing and Distilling. U.S. regulators classify non alcoholic drinks at not more than 0.5% ABV, which guides process design (TTB).

They can compare options on the go.

• Ask staff about purpose-brewed methods in taprooms and airports.
• Choose purpose-brewed NA for fuller hop expression in IPAs.
• Pack Run Wild for alcohol free holidays when mocktails skew sweet.

Quality And Consistency Controls

Athletic Brewing verifies ABV by batch, then tracks flavor stability through sensory panels and hop analytics, as outlined by ASBC and Brewers Association quality programs. They manage oxygen pickup and cold-chain to protect aroma, which supports recovery friendly choices and sober lifestyle plans. They align batch data with date coding so travelers can spot fresh cans in stores and stadiums.

They can keep quality high on the road.

• Check can dates, then pick the freshest line for bright hops.
• Store cans cold, then avoid trunk heat during summer drives.
• Ask venues about cold storage, then switch to cans over warm drafts.
• Carry a soft cooler, then extend freshness on long sober travel days.

Nutrition And Health Considerations

Nutrition matters on sober travel because it supports energy, clarity, and connection. Run Wild offers an alcohol free option that fits wellness travel and recovery friendly routines.

Calories, Carbs, And Ingredients

Run Wild keeps numbers light for active days and alcohol free holidays. They track nutrition by batch and publish ranges on product pages, which supports informed choices for non alcoholic drinks and mocktails.

Ingredients read simple and beer focused. They include water, malted barley, oats, wheat, hops, and yeast, based on typical Run Wild disclosures by Athletic Brewing. They brew for flavor first, then keep ABV under the U.S. nonalcoholic threshold, which preserves hop character without ethanol load.

Practical tips:

• Pack cold cans for flights, road trips, and trail days, then track intake with the table above
• Pair cans with protein snacks like nuts, jerky, and yogurt cups, then balance carbs during long walks
• Log macros on apps like Cronometer and MyFitnessPal, then adjust meals during wellness travel

Sources: Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau, Nonalcoholic malt beverages, 27 CFR; Athletic Brewing, Run Wild nutrition listings

Who It’s For: Athletes, Sober-Curious, And DDs

Run Wild serves people who want crisp IPA flavor and clear mornings. They enjoy sober lifestyle gains during group dinners, concerts, and weekend meetups.

• Athletes, because a low calorie, low ABV option fits training blocks, race eves, and recovery days
• Sober curious drinkers, because an alcohol free IPA supports mindful nights, early workouts, and social ease
• Designated drivers, because a consistent NA choice keeps focus during late events, long drives, and city hops
• Sober community members, because shared cans build connection during potlucks, picnics, and alcohol free holidays
• Wellness travelers, because reliable NA availability reduces friction in airports, hotels, and tours

• Ask bartenders for Run Wild by name, then request clean glassware for aroma
• Rotate Run Wild with water and citrus slices, then keep pace during long gatherings
• Stock a 6 pack in rental fridges, then host mocktails with grapefruit twists and salted rims
• Share finder links from Athletic Brewing’s site in group chats, then plan recovery friendly meetups

Pairings, Occasions, And Serving Tips

Run Wild supports sober travel with bright hops and a clean finish. These tips keep it alcohol free, recovery friendly, and ready for any plan.

Food Pairings That Work

• Tacos, burritos, and nachos, for example carne asada tacos and salsa verde, match the medium bitterness and citrus hop snap.
• Curries and stir-fries, for example Thai green curry and Szechuan tofu, balance pine notes and cut heat.
• Grilled veggies and grain bowls, for example charred broccoli and farro with lemon, echo the malt biscuit base.
• Sushi and poke, for example salmon nigiri and spicy tuna, benefit from a crisp palate reset.
• Burgers and BBQ, for example turkey burgers and dry-rub ribs, stand up to hop aroma without alcohol haze.
• Salads and cheeses, for example arugula citrus salad and aged cheddar, lift grapefruit and orange peel.
• Desserts, for example dark chocolate and citrus sorbet, play against a clean finish.
• Serving tips, for example chill to 38–42°F and pour into a nonic pint, keep hop aromatics vivid among non alcoholic drinks.

Best Times To Drink Run Wild

• Mornings on trail days, for example sunrise hikes and park runs, keep energy steady for wellness travel.
• Afternoons on road trips, for example scenic pullouts and picnic stops, keep focus during sober travel.
• Evenings with friends, for example patio dinners and bonfires, stay social with alcohol free ease.
• Work events, for example client lunches and conference mixers, support a sober lifestyle with clarity.
• Flights and layovers, for example red-eye connections and lounge waits, fit TSA limits and hydrate better than mocktails.
• Holidays and milestones, for example alcohol free holidays and recovery anniversaries, feel inclusive and recovery friendly.
• Sports and concerts, for example tailgates and arena shows, keep pace with the sober community.
• Practical tips, for example pack 2 cold cans and ask venues for a swap-in, remove friction for consistent alcohol free choices.

Run Wild Vs Alternatives

Run Wild keeps social energy high without alcohol. This matters on sober travel days, during alcohol free holidays, and at recovery friendly events.

Run Wild Vs Athletic Free Wave

Run Wild balances pine and citrus for classic IPA cues. Free Wave leans hazy and hop-saturated for bigger aroma. Both support a sober lifestyle and wellness travel without compromise.

Choose Run Wild for airport bars, when clarity matters on early flights. Choose Free Wave for hotel lounges, when bolder hops fit the vibe. Rotate cans at a beach picnic, when friends want variety without alcohol. Pair Run Wild with spicy tacos, when heat calls for a crisp finish. Pair Free Wave with burgers, when richer flavors meet higher perceived bitterness. Ask venues to stock both, when the sober community travels as a group.

Run Wild Vs Other NA IPAs

Run Wild offers balanced bitterness and reliable distribution, which helps travel plans. Competing non alcoholic drinks include Lagunitas IPNA, Sierra Nevada Trail Pass IPA, and Brooklyn Special Effects IPA. Each brings regional hops, yet freshness and style vary by market.

Compare flavor on a tasting flight, when a pub offers 3 NA taps. Pack Run Wild for trains, when carriage rules allow cans. Request cold storage at vacation rentals, when hosts welcome alcohol free guests. Swap in a citrus wedge for mocktails, when brunch needs a bright option. Track calories with a quick scan, when fitness goals support wellness travel. Check can dates under the seam, when hot weather trips risk staleness. Share a mixed 12-pack at a meetup, when building a recovery friendly gathering. Celebrate long hikes at trailheads, when alcohol free choices keep mornings strong.

Buying Guide And Pricing

Buying Athletic Brewing Run Wild stays simple for sober travel and alcohol free holidays. They get reliable access at fair prices, which supports a sober lifestyle on the road.

Where To Find It Online And In Stores

Finding Run Wild online and in stores stays straightforward for non alcoholic drinks. They order direct at AthleticBrewing.com for the widest selection, they choose subscription for savings and delivery cadence. They shop at national retailers for road trips and quick grabs, examples include Whole Foods Market, Total Wine & More, Safeway, Kroger, Target. They use store finders for local stock before events, examples include Athletic’s Store Finder and Instacart. They check airport and venue options when flying sober, examples include OTG airport markets and stadium shops that stock NA options.

Pricing ranges by channel and state taxes, see typical US ranges below from Athletic Brewing and major retailers.

Formats, Freshness, And Storage

Choosing formats, freshness, and storage keeps flavor bright for wellness travel. They pick 6-packs for picnics and hotel fridges, they pick 12-packs for group trips and sober community events, they pick variety packs for mixed palates and mocktails. They check can dates for hop pop, examples include “packaged on” within 120–180 days for best aroma per brewery guidance. They store cans cold for peak taste, examples include 34–45°F in a fridge or cooler with ice. They protect cans from heat and light during drives, examples include a soft cooler in the trunk and shade at the beach. They rotate stock first in first out at rentals, they keep unopened cans sealed and upright.

• Buy cold, then keep cold during travel legs.
• Choose newer dates for pine and citrus intensity.
• Finish opened cans promptly, then recycle.

Conclusion

Athletic Brewing Run Wild signals a simple choice that puts presence first. It invites them to keep pace with real moments stay sharp and feel proud of what they select. No fuss no haze just steady confidence.

For the next trip or gathering let Run Wild ride alongside the plan. Pack it chill it and share it with friends who value good taste and clear heads. They will feel the difference in the vibe and in the morning.

If they want social energy without tradeoffs this is the move. Choose what aligns with goals and keep momentum on their side.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Athletic Brewing Run Wild?

Run Wild is a flagship non-alcoholic IPA from Athletic Brewing with less than 0.5% ABV. It’s crafted for social settings and active lifestyles, offering classic IPA flavor without the alcohol. Expect balanced bitterness, bright hop notes, and a clean finish.

How does Run Wild taste?

It features layered Northwest hops with pine, grapefruit, and orange peel notes over a light biscuit malt base. The bitterness is medium and eases into a crisp, clean finish, making it refreshing for long nights out and early starts.

Is Run Wild truly non-alcoholic?

In the U.S., drinks under 0.5% ABV are considered non-alcoholic. Run Wild meets this standard, offering full IPA character while keeping alcohol content below the limit.

Why choose an alcohol-free IPA for socializing?

Alcohol-free options like Run Wild support clarity, energy, and genuine connection. You enjoy the flavors and rituals of a toast without the haze, hangovers, or sluggish mornings—perfect for evenings with friends and next-day adventures.

Who is Run Wild best for?

It’s ideal for athletes, wellness travelers, sober-curious folks, designated drivers, and members of the sober community. Anyone who wants craft beer flavor without alcohol will appreciate its balance and reliability.

What are the nutrition facts?

Per 12 oz serving, Run Wild has about 65 calories and 16 g of carbs. Ingredients are purpose-brewed to prioritize flavor while keeping the ABV low.

How is Run Wild brewed for flavor?

Athletic Brewing uses a purpose-brewed process focused on hop expression and balance while keeping ABV below 0.5%. Each batch undergoes ABV verification and sensory panels to maintain consistency and quality.

What foods pair well with Run Wild?

Try it with spicy tacos, curries, grilled veggies, sushi, burgers, and hearty salads. The citrus-pine hops cut through spice and fat, while the biscuit malt complements smoky and char-grilled flavors.

How should I serve and store it?

Chill cans thoroughly and pour into a clean IPA glass for aroma. Keep cans cold, avoid heat and light, and check can dates for freshness—especially when traveling. Store upright to protect flavor.

Where can I buy Run Wild?

Find it online via Athletic Brewing (including subscriptions) and at retailers like Whole Foods and Target. It’s widely distributed in the U.S., with options for delivery, pickup, and in-store purchase.

How much does Run Wild cost?

Pricing varies by format and retailer, but 6-packs and single cans are commonly available at fair, accessible price points. Buying online or subscribing can offer savings and guaranteed freshness.

How does Run Wild compare to Free Wave?

Run Wild is balanced and versatile, great for clarity during travel and social events. Free Wave leans hazier and more hop-saturated, suiting bolder flavor seekers. Both are non-alcoholic and crafted for active lifestyles.

Is Run Wild good for travel and events?

Yes. It’s portable, widely available, and stays crisp when kept cold. Bring it to road trips, picnics, flights (where allowed), work events, holidays, sports games, and mornings before trail days.

Any tips for sober travel with Run Wild?

Pack chilled cans, ask vacation rentals for fridge space, and check can dates at stores. Pair with protein-rich snacks, hydrate, and track calories if you have fitness goals to keep energy and clarity high.

Does Athletic Brewing support any causes?

Yes. Through its Two For The Trails program, Athletic Brewing donates a portion of sales to outdoor projects, reflecting its commitment to the sober and outdoor communities.