Running & Drinking

I’ve been an avid runner for years.  I’ve always been intrigued by races that not only receive sponsorship from liquor companies, but who also serve it up as refreshment.  This led me to running in the 4-mile Midnight Run in Central Park on New Year’s Eve, 2000-01, where they serve up champagne in plastic cups at the 2-mile mark. I had to do it once for the novelty. Once was enough. It was the worst champagne I’ve ever had in my life.  Mile three was about keeping it in my stomach while running.  I survived, but there are many other such races across the country where the alcoholic refreshment is probably better, and usually after the race. So, it caught my interest when Cody McDevitt contributed an article to Liquor.com recently listing the annual races which combine liquor refreshment and running.

January: Key West Half Marathon & 5K (Ice Pik Vodka)

February: Honolulu aloha Beer Run (Aloha Beer Co.)

March: Columbia, S.C., St.Pat’s Get to the Green 10K, 5K, and 1-mile

April: Dallas, Velvet Hammer 5K (3 types of beer)

May: Portland, Ore., Cinco de Mayo Half, 10K & 5K (beer)

June: San Mateo, CA, Brewfest 5K/10K (beer)

July: Key West, FLA, Hemingway 5K (Daiquiris)

August: Durango, COL, Thirsty Half Marathon (50 breweries on hand)

September: Mankato, Minn., Mankato Beer Run (beer)

October: Ellicottville, NY, EVL Half Marathon & 5K (beer)

November: Cleveland, OH, Cleveland Beer Mile (local craft breweries)

December: Bethlehem, PA, Santa Will Run for Beer 5K (Weyerbacher Brewing)