Photo by Lauren Zumbach
The Beer Mile World Classic poured into Chicago this past weekend on July 1, bringing together elite Beer Milers from around the world for a day of sportsmanship and beer drinking. Connecticut-based Athletic Brewing Company partnered with the event, bringing their signature non-alcoholic brews to the drinking race.
The event was held at Chicago’s Hope Academy Track on the west side, and featured local food and beverage vendors including Illinois-based Two Brothers Brewing. The competition featured men’s and women’s races, with runners Corey Bellemore and Shelby Houlihan winning first place in their respective races.
Beer Mile is a competitive sport wherein participants run a mile separated into four laps, consuming one 12 oz beer before each quarter mile. According to Athletic Brewing Co. representative Chris Furnari, the sport is a test of stamina, speed and strength and a right of passage for many runners.
Participants received exclusive Beer Mile World Classic medals upon completion of each race | Photo by Elena Smentkowski
“When you tell people you’re doing a beer mile, or going to a beer mile, they often don’t understand what that’s all about. The sport involves chugging a beer, running a lap, doing it three more times. It's definitely an event that lives on the fringes of societal norms”, said Furnari.
The first-ever Beer Mile World Classic was held in 2015 and has since developed a cult following, according to Furnari. The sport has gained popularity globally, with the 2023 world classic welcoming participants to Chicago from England, Canada, Sweden, Australia, Belgium and Norway.
At this year’s Beer Mile World Classic, participating runners could choose between alcoholic and non-alcoholic beer options for competing.
Runners assemble at the starting line at Saturday’s Beer Mile World Classic | Photo by Elena Smentkowski
According to Furnari, a common misconception about Beer Mile is that inebriation factors into the sport. However, the majority of beer miles are run in under 15 minutes, therefore most runners do not typically feel any of the inebriating effects of alcohol during the race itself.
As such, whether a participant drinks an alcoholic or non-alcoholic beer, neither party holds an unfair advantage.
“[Beer Mile] is a quirky athletic event but it does combine the challenges of speed drinking with interval training. The athletes see it very much as a serious athletic competition”, said Furnari. Above all though, he added, Beer Mile is about having fun.
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