Inaugural Alberta Beer Mile on horizon

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Chug a beer, run a lap, repeat.  

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The Beer Mile format is straightforward, but despite its popularity in Europe, there has yet to be an official sanction Beer Mile held in Alberta, until now.  

On Sunday, July 7, the Rotaract Club of Strathcona County will present the first ever Alberta Beer Mile. Held at the Strathcona Athletic Park, participants will chug a beer then run run four 400 metre laps, chugging a 355 ml beer ahead of each lap. Four beers, four laps, one mile. Upon completion runners will get a qualifying time with the official Beer Mile organization.  

As per the Beer Mile rules, the beer must have an alcohol content of five per cent or more, cans/ bottles cannot be tampered with — squeezed, punctured, or adapted with a straw — and competitors who vomit during the race are required to complete an extra lap.  

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Partnering with Alley Cat Brewery, the Alberta Beer Mile will feature a customized version of their popular Six O’clock Lager.  

Vice president of the Strathcona County chapter of Rotaract, Karina Houle, said the event will be the group’s largest fundraiser yet and all proceeds will go towards the club’s future charitable initiatives.  

Part of the international Rotary organization, the Rotaract Club of Strathcona County welcomes members between 18 and 30 and participates in humanitarian work locally and internationally. Recently, the group took part in building a playground to Belize and have also teamed up with food banks and women’s shelters locally.  

“We’re really hoping to bring the community together, spread some awareness about our club, have everyone come around for a fun active day in the sun and, of course, raise funds for the community in the future as well,” said Houle.  

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Though participants of the Beer Mile must be 18 or over, all ages are welcome to attend and cheer on the racers. In addition to the race, activities will be set up for younger fans and a concession will be on site.  

Tickets are available through Eventbrite.com, and with supply for 144 participants, anyone interested in getting in on the action is encouraged to purchase tickets right away as ticket prices will increase closer to the event.  

Those wishing to participate who do not drink alcohol or are gluten intolerant are encouraged to contact organizers prior to purchasing a ticket so accommodations can be made. 

tmacleod@postmedia.com
X: MacLeodTheodora 

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