Since opening for business in 1995, Dogfish Head has built a large following of off-centered craft beer lovers who are passionate about the brewery. The result has been a steady influx of tourists heading to the Cape Region for a tour of the brewery in Milton and a bite to eat at the brewpub in Rehoboth Beach. The popularity also spreads into Dogfish's events, like the annual Dogfish Dash 10K and 5K.

The brewery's overwhelming support took center stage April 1, when the 1,850-person field for the Sunday, Sept. 29 race sold out in just 37 minutes. Runners hail from 24 states, the District of Columbia and Brazil.

“We were amazed and humbled by the record sellout of this year's Dogfish Dash,” said Mariah Calagione, Dogfish Head vice president. “We think one thing that makes the Dash a great event is the mix of local runners and diehard Dogfish fans who travel to coastal Delaware for the race.”

Last year's race drew 1,547 people to Milton. Race director Tim Bamforth of Seashore Striders said this year's race was the quickest sellout in the history of his races and is up there with races across the country.

The race benefits the Delaware Chapter of The Nature Conservancy. Since 2007, Dogfish has raised more than $150,000 for the group through the Dogfish Dash.

“We love the work DE-TNC does to protect ecologically important lands and waters for nature and people, including their two preserves right here in Milton,” Calagione said. “We look forward to supporting DE-TNC with this event again.”