
The National Beer Mile, that one of a kind event that combines exercise, beer, and celebration, is proud to announce the first 15 cities confirmed for its 2016 race dates. Now in its second year, the National Beer Mile will eventually add another 10 cities to the schedule, bringing its unique blend of work and fun to 25 (and possibly more) metropolitan cities across North America. The one-mile run/walk is perfect for fitness buffs, social drinkers, and party-goers and it ends with an after party featuring food, games and live music. The first city to host a National Beer Mile event in 2016 will be Jacksonville, FL on March 5. Tickets may be purchased at nationalbeermile.com.
While there will certainly be runners who take the racing aspect of the National Beer Mile very seriously and will strive to cross the finish line ahead of anyone else, race creators Kevin Cregan and Rob Goldstein place more of an emphasis on fun. “National Beer Mile is definitely geared towards a more social audience,” says Cregan. “We welcome drinkers, runners and party animals alike. We don’t care how you get through the course, as long as you have a great time.”
The Beer Mile can be traced back to the late 1980s when it was characterized as an informal event among friends. Runners would meet at a local, quarter- mile track, drink a beer, run a lap and repeat four times. Today, the concept is still the same and the rules are similar, but Beer Mile has rapidly expanded in popularity, receiving national and even international attention. Attendance has been on the rise each year and in 2016 is expected to surpass 125,000 runners.
National Beer Mile events appeal to a diverse group of participants — from college seniors to CEOs. Many who take part in the National Beer Mile sign up as a team, emphasizing the event’s main idea that teamwork, friendship, and fun are what matter most. Yes, there will still be the individual competitors in the group, but the fun outweighs the competition and many of the teams that sign up are part of various groups and social drinking clubs. They are accustomed to spending time together and the Beer Mile continues that spirit of camaraderie and diversity.
“It’s an event that draws 21 year olds and 51 year olds. Exercise, beer, party — those are three words all generations can get behind,” says Goldstein. “Combining them all into one experience adds up to the Best. Saturday. Ever.”
National Beer Mile General Admission early bird tickets are already on sale and start at $35. Early bird VIP packages, which include a swag bag loaded with National Beer Mile merchandise and a ticket to express check in, are also available for a price that starts at $55. Groups of five or more can often receive a per- ticket discount at registration. Once the early bird period has expired, ticket prices will increase to $40 for General Admission and $60 for VIP as the early bird tickets sell out. More details regarding rules and sign-up can be found on the National Beer Mile’s website and social media platforms. Tickets are available at nationalbeermile.com. Many cities will sell out quickly, so follow the link and purchase your tickets today!
CONFIRMED NATIONAL BEER MILE DATES/LOCATIONS
3/5/16 – Jacksonville, FL – Unity Plaza
4/2/16 – Los Angeles, CA – Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum
4/30/16 – Charlotte, NC – NC Music Factory
5/21/16 – Cleveland, OH – Cuyahoga County Fairgrounds
5/28/16 – Dallas, TX – Fair Park
6/4/16 – Orlando, FL – Central Florida Expo Center
6/11/16 – San Diego, CA – Qualcomm Stadium
6/18/16 – Nashville, TN – The Fairgrounds Nashville
6/25/16 – Miami, FL – Sun Life Stadium
7/23/16 – Atlanta, GA – Turner Field
9/3/16 – Houston, TX – Minute Maid Park
9/17/16 – Milwaukee, WI – Wisconsin State Fair Park
9/24/16 – Tempe, AZ – Tempe Diablo Stadium
10/1/16 – Brooklyn, NY – Aviator Sports & Event Complex
10/15/16 – Oklahoma City, OK – Chickasaw Brockton Ballpark
I just can’t see 8k/event/city people running a beer mile. I would bet they will hit between 7-8k total for their 16 cities. If they do a really job promoting, they may get 500 people. I think that would be a successful tour for them. This just seems like a money grab. Their estimate is a pipe dream.