Fort St. John hosts first ever Beer Mile event this summer

FORT ST. JOHN, B.C. — A new relay race set to take place within Fort St. John this summer puts a spin on the term ‘beer run’. 

A Beer Mile race is typically a race run on a mile-long course, with the consumption of a 12-ounce can of beer at the start and each succeeding lap. 

Starting in the 1980s, Beer Mile races have become a phenomenon, with the first official world championship for the event taking place in 2014. 

The current record holder is Canadian Corey Bellimore, who ran a time of 4 minutes, 33 seconds in 2021 in England.

Fort St. John’s inaugural Beer Mile will take place on July 13th, with Mighty Peace Brewing Co. providing the suds.

According to organizer Dr. Clint Warkentin, the race is not necessarily one against the clock, although competitors will be timed, but more of the challenge of being able to fight off the digestion of beer while running. 

“It’s more of a casual competition,” said Warkentin. “It’s a challenge of can you keep running with foaming frothing liquid bouncing around in your stomach?”

The FSJ Beer Mile will feature individuals or a team of four race around a track, with the laps intersecting with consuming cups of the alcoholic beverage.

For $25, an individual competitor can purchase a race kit and four beers, with a team rate of $75.

The event will wrap up with a barbecue provided by Armor Lubricants, something Dr. Warkentin says might be the best “dinner deal” in town.

“This event will be something else to do, and in a small way makes Fort St. John maybe a more fun place to live with more events,” says Warkentin. 

Registration has already begun for the run, scheduled to take place July 13th at the North Peace Cricket Foundation located at 9327 269 Road in Charlie Lake.

For more information or how to register visit the FSJ Beer Miles Facebook page or register here.