Looking for an incentive to sign up for a run and the charity angle is just not cutting it? Choose from one of these 5 boozy races involving drinking that will give you a little (or a lot) of Dutch courage to get to the finish line. And even if you don’t, you’ll certainly have fun trying.
PIC: Wow Power Walking
Le Marathon du Medoc
Pauillac, France
12 September 2015
A marathon is a gruelling endurance challenge, best approached with the utmost respect. Unless, of course, you’re French.
Not ones to let something like a 26.2-mile run get in the way of a good time, the plentiful ‘fuel stations’ at this ridiculously popular run near Bordeaux offer up glasses of the country’s finest vino and cheese and oysters and foie gras and… *bork*
But don’t worry about digestion time, because Le Marathon du Medoc describes itself as “the world’s longest marathon”, allowing entrants a stately six-and-a-half hours to complete the course.
Oh, and forget about running shorts, as fancy dress is wholeheartedly encouraged. This year’s theme is “dressed up to the nines”, so expect to see 8,000 runners in ball gowns and top hats, jogging past picturesque châteaux and vineyards, glass of red and brie in hand.
Fancy it? Then visit the official website!
Flo Beer Mile World Championships
Austin, Texas
2015 (date tbc)
Nothing like a bit of celebrity endorsement to promote your event. And who better than a respected, clean-living athlete such as, errr, Lance Armstrong. Oh.
Seems Armstrong’s famed endurance powers have deserted him as the ex-cyclist, dropped out after just one lap of this four-lap beer run near his home in Texas last year. The Flo Beer Mile World Championships – which involve downing a bottle of beer every 400 metres – was a qualifier for the inaugural Beer Mile World Championships, held last December.
Probably not one for your average Joe, this, as the winner finished in just five minutes, thanks to fast legs and an even faster chugging ability.
Disney Wine-And-Dine Half Marathon Weekend
Disney® World Resort, Florida
7 November 2015
Disney and booze – not a classic combination, although a few pints could come in handy for coping with over-excited kids in the endless Thunder Mountain queue.
If you’re up for getting spangled with Mickey though, now’s your chance. Rather sensibly, the fermented grapes are saved until the end of this 13.1-mile moonlit jaunt through three Disney theme parks. Once you’ve enjoyed/endured the Disney characters and live entertainment en route, secure your finisher’s medal and head to the Finish Line Party at the Epcot® International Food and Wine Festival.
Sink some post-race refreshers with Goofy, and enjoy the international food offerings. It’s a wonderful world indeed.
Fancy it? Then visit the official website!
City Beer Runs
San Francisco, US
Fortnightly until November 2015
Ah, San Francisco. Home of the Golden Gate Bridge, hippies, rolling fog and loads and loads of beer runs. Like, loads.
It seems every independent brewery and brewhouse in the city is in on the act, with regular 5-10k races taking place throughout the year. Each jaunt ends at a different bar or brewery, and you’ll be rewarded with an icy cold craft-brewed pint. We can’t be alone in thinking this is a splendid idea.
Even better, there’s no pressure to smash your personal best as all runs are untimed, meaning you can just enjoy the atmosphere. Excitingly, you also get a complimentary City Beer Runs coaster to rest your well-earned pint on, and then display above your mantelpiece upon your return to Blighty.
Fancy it? Then visit the official website!
Surrey Bacchus Marathon and Half Marathon
Dorking, Surrey
13 September 2015
Anything the French can do… The Bacchus Marathon and Half Marathon are basically the UK’s answer to Le Marathon du Medoc. Starting and ending at Denbies Wine Estate, England’s largest vineyard, the events take place just before grape harvest, and take you through the stunning North Downs countryside.
Which is lovely and everything, but the real draws are the ‘refreshment’ stations every few miles, offering samples of the vineyard’s wares. It’s a hilly course, but that’s okay because you’ve got seven long hours to get utterly FUBAR-ed in. Sorry, finish in. We meant finish in.
Fancy dress? Naturally. Barbecue and even more booze at the finish line? Yep. Bloody good day out? Indeed. Oh and the last mile is all downhill so you can roll over the finish line, straight into the bar.
Fancy it? Then visit the official website!