In an impressive display of sprinting and chugging, a man named James Nielsen has broken the world record for the beer mile, a feat that involves running a mile around a track and drinking a 12-ounce can of beer, with a of minimum 5.0% ABV, before every 400-meter lap. (No vomiting allowed; full rules and regulations on beermile.com.)
Nielsen, who completed the world’s first sub-5-minute beer mile with a time of 4:57.1, says he spent a year training for the run, maximizing his fitness, studying the anatomy of the esophagus and upper sphincter, and learning about fluid dynamics and air displacement to be able to drink a 12-ounce can of beer in 4 - 5 seconds flat.
Feeling inspired? We’ve rounded up a few beer miles and beer-focused and brewery-sponsored races across the country.
Sly Fox Bock Fest and Goat Race
May 4, 2014
Phoenixville, Pennsylvania
While you can’t participate in a footrace this coming Sunday, you can sit on the sidelines for the ceremonial goat race at Sly Fox’s annual bock festival and enjoy a bock of your choice: Slacker Bock, Helles Bock, Maibock, or Instigator Dopplebock. The event culminates in the release of the maibock, tapped after the race and named in honor of the winning goat.
Minnesota Brewery Running Series
13 races from April 26 - October 11, 2014
Locations vary
This series feaures thirteen different 5Ks and thirteen different breweries throughout St. Paul and Minneapolis, from Surly to Fulton to Bauhaus. The races aren’t timed and you won’t receive a medal or a t-shirt, but they do promise a free pint glass and beer at the finish, which is reward enough, right? The first race was this past weekend, but there are still twelve more!
Race the Bar 5K/8K and Beer Mile
May 10 and September 20, 2014
Greensboro, North Carolina
Presented by the Jones Racing Company, this race offers a beer mile with 4-ounces of beer at every quarter-mile beer station, a 5K run, and an 8K run. There's a finish line after-party with beer from Asheville’s Highland Brewing Company and live music.
The Monday Night Mile
May 19, 2014
Monday Night Brewing, Atlanta, Georgia
At the Monday Night Mile, beer stations replace water stations, wacky costumes and running outfits are encouraged, and there are no winners or losers. The chip-timed mile race features four beer stops en route and a party at the finish line. The event raises money for charity via charitybets.com, where friends can place money on how fast you’ll finish. If nothing else, check out the fun video below.
Craft Brew Races
Five races from May 24 - September 28, 2014
Locations vary
This is the first season for the New England summer 5K series followed by a beer fest, with races in Stowe, Vermont; Portland, Maine; Providence, Rhode Island; New Haven, Connecticut; and Cape Cod, Massachusetts. Each city features more than twenty different breweries and cideries, and the events raise money for local charitable partners.
Cambridge 5K Freedom Run
June 1, 2014
Cambridge, Massachusetts
Celebrate America with a 5K course through East Cambridge and pours of Notch Brewing, Slumbrew, Downeast Cider, and Night Shift Brewing at the finish--plus a dance-off and costume contest. They also have a trail race, Sasquatch, on July 13 in Middlesex Fells.