Fort St. John Beer Mile a success despite wet conditions

FORT ST. JOHN, B.C. — Amid some rainy conditions, the inaugural Fort St. John Beer Mile race was a resounding success on July 13th, according to the event’s director Miles Bason.

A dozen teams of four, amounting to 48 runners, and 21 solo runners took part in the event, which consisted of four laps around a grassy track at The North Peace Cricket Association in Charlie Lake.

Each lap was noted with a downing of a 12-ounce serving of brews, which were provided by Mighty Peace Brewing Co. of Fort St. John.

“You would think [the rain] would put a dampener on things,” said Bason.  “It put everyone in a really good mood. The sun came out afterward.  It was really fantastic.”

“All of the participants were asked at the end if they would do this again.  There wasn’t a single hand that stayed down.”

Described by Dr. Clint Warkentin as a “casual competition,” with the challenge being “running with a foamy, frothing liquid in your stomach,” Beer Miles first began in the 1980s in Canada.

Obviously with the challenge being able to hold the beer down, a few competitors performed what beer mile runners call “the refund maneuver.” 

“There were loads that couldn’t keep the beers down,” said Bason. “There were people vomiting at the start/finish line for all to see, through to people vomiting in the trees halfway through the lap.”

 “That’s one of the joys of the event.  It’s a spectator sport in itself, and you have to run a penalty lap.”

Bason is optimistic the event will grow into an annual summer showcase, and they have lofty expectations for future events, including a winter race – perhaps during February 2025’s Crystal Cup outdoor hockey tournament.

According to him, organizers are undecided on whether the winter edition will feature ice skating or snowshoeing.

“Most people own a pair of skates up here, so skating does seem reasonable,” Bason said. “Perhaps you don’t like to run, but you’re an avid skater and  can boost around the ice quickly.”

Visit Fort St. John Beer Mile’s Facebook page for more details about the event.