Beer Mile World Classic should see its share of masters in August
As I reported on Times of San Diego, the beer mile is moving away from its viral-video roots. On Aug. 22, San Francisco’s Pier 70 will host the first Beer Mile World Classic. It will offer prize money and a chance to race on a quarter-mile loop of Pier 70, says James Nielsen, 35, who became the first man to break the 5-minute barrier after quaffing a 12-ounce can of suds before each of four laps. “I will race and I will certainly be in shape to break the record,” Nielsen told me. “Last year I trained specifically to break 5 minutes. This year I’m going to make sure I’m in shape to run much faster.” So at least we can count on an M35 beer mile record. Registration has opened. Anyone planning to attend? This video has been seen 1.4 million times:
5 Responses
The Beer mile race is absolutely absurd and I consider it 100% ignorant. A runner who is willing to drink a can of beer prior to each lap of a mile race is absolutely ignorant. Beer companies must be laughing at any competitor who is mindless enough to be under the influence of alcohol while running. Yet they don’t care…as long as their revenue is increased.
As for as the competitors who run this ridiculous race,they must be the epitome of a desperate athlete who is looking for recognition. Running under the influence of alcohol is not impressive (despite the mile time that is achieved) and it sends an unhealthy message to our children. Do you want to go down in history as participating and promoting a race that will consider one legally and physically impaired? I sincerely hope that U.S.A.T.F and any other running organization bans this activity. To the delusional athletes that run this event, it is time to stop the running under the influence and embrace the natural runners high. Let’s not destroy the beauty and strength of this wonderful and healthy sport.
I respectfully disagree with the above comment. I participated in the Beer Mile in Austin in December and it was a great event. I can see how this sort of race is not for everyone, but to use the generalization that everyone is running laps under the influence of alcohol could not be more wrong (and guessing from the author’s tone I’d assume they have never been to one of these events to state known facts). Let’s be frank, there are a lot of runners who like beer, and just as many that enjoy a challenge. Sanctioned beer miles are both of these things wrapped up in one – by no means are they trying to get USATF approved or attempting to sell themselves to minors – they are just trying provide people an outlet to get together and have some competitive fun. If these are events are not your cup of tea (or pint of ale) then don’t run them, but to classify those who do as “desperate athletes looking for recognition” is ridiculous. Lighten up! After being served a portion of humble pie by some hard-core beer milers at the FloTrack event I will definitely be back to hopefully take care of some unfinished business at this year’s event. Bottoms up!!
I respectfully disagree with Nicholas Berra. If you have to drink a can of beer each lap in order to compete in the beer mile race you are indeed under the influence of alcohol. I watched a beer mile race on you-tube (I don’t ever plan to go to watch one)and watched several runners vomiting beer on the track. If this is what you consider fun…you might want to do some inner reflection. It sounds like your rationalizing drinking alcohol while being competitive and trying to convince me that you are not under the influence…now this is truly funny.
The beer mile race is definitely not my cup of tea and I have no intention of running them. I prefer being alcohol free. Let’s keep the bar room off the competitive track. Categorizing this event as “great” is comical, yet you are entitled to your opinion. I stand my ground with every thing I previously stated…the beer mile race is ridiculous at best. It seems that you could use some lightening up by putting down that beer you are so eager to pick up. Namaste.
The co-founder of this site wrote a beer mile memoir in August 2007. It’s a classic:
http://masterstrack.com/2007/08/1925/
Hi Ken,
Thank you for posting that memoir. It is what I expected running inebriated would be like. I hope all the runners have designated drivers..wouldn’t want an inebriated runner to cause a car accident.
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