Cinco de Mayo Beer Mile Recap

In case you missed it, there is an International beer and running event staged regularly by beer drinkers, runners and anyone else crazy enough to participate known as the Beer Mile. Last fall, I competed in and won a local running of the Beer Mile in Raleigh.

The premise is fairly simple, that is: competitors must run 1 mile on a 400 meter track while consuming 1 beer at the beginning of each lap. Anyone who vomits during their 4 beers and 4 laps must run a penalty lap.

As the defending local champion, I returned to the secret location for the second running of the Triangle Beerrunners Challenge hosted by @boyobeerdude. We selected the weekend of Cinco de Mayo (May 5th duh!) for the event though no one showed up with Mexican brew. This time out, we had some returning competitors and many new challengers including two ladies plus my lovely wife joined us to spectate and take photos which you will see below. There was a large contingent of LoneRider Brewing staff competing and additional spectators to cheer us on. My chief competition from the first running also returned for another go.

In addition to the basic rules mentioned above, competitors in the Beer Mile must supply their own beer, it must be 5% ABV or higher, must be in traditional 12oz (or larger) cans or 12oz capped bottles. No wide mouths, no shotgunning, no use of bongs or cups and no ciders. You can find more details at beermile.com

Back in November, I completed the race with a winning time of 8:38 drinking Ska Euphoria Pale Ale. My goal this time was to finish in around 8 minutes flat. This time, it was unusually hot, humid and in the mid to high 80's. My beer of choice was a local one, Carolina Sky Blue from Carolina Brewery. It's a canned kolsch-style ale coming in at just over 5% ABV. It seemed like a good choice. There were many other beer choices of all styles that were brought out for the race. Several competitors even mixed it up, drinking a different style each lap. 

 

So the race kicked off and this time, I did not take the lead on the start. My main competitor killed his beer first and set off on lap 1 ahead of me. I managed to start second and reeled him in by the end of lap 1. Unlike me, he isn't a runner per se but he is at least 10 years younger than me and knows his way with beer.  Our battle waged on for another 3 beers and 3 laps, with several passes on the track. In the end, I managed to squeak out the win with a time of 7:46. Second place was my main rival finishing only :08 seconds behind me. Neither of us puked but some of our other competitors began to after their second lap. Watching the video, I am estimating I averaged :20 sec per beer which leaves me with a 6:26 mile. 

Slowly, nearly every one crossed the finish and the skies opened up to cool us off and perhaps help wash away the vomit. Everyone ran a valiant race and I was impressed with my competitor's effort. For my winning "performance", along with bragging rights, I also received a 22oz bomber of Caldera Hop Hash Ale (I am sure some of you get the reference). 

I've been told another running of the race will occur this fall. Stay tuned to see if I return to defend my title for a third time.