The world of craft beer is filled with people who pair their passion for discovering new brews with a healthy dose of exercise and action – and none more so than the folks at the Aussie Beer Milers Club.
It's been around since 2017, founded by former elite athlete Melissa Vandewater, who was keen to bring the International Beer Mile to Australia.
If you're new to the concept, it's a four beer, four lap challenge that's contested all over the world. That's right: run a mile via four laps of a track, drinking a beer at the completion of each lap. There's world champions and everything.
The next local event is at 3pm on June 22 – The Winter Solstice Beer Mile – and you can cheer on the beer runners at George Knott Reserve, Clifton Hill, then kick on at the afterparty at Bridge Road Brewers East Brunswick.
Their biggest event is the Summer Aussie Beer Mile, which also includes beer challenges such as a 100m Esky dash, Beer Mile Relay (teams of four mates), the Beer Mile and a Thong Toss.
As well as that, there's monthly Brewery Runs, sampling different independent craft breweries all over Melbourne. These involve a 5km self-paced run, finishing with beers at the brewery, with a dress up theme for best on ground prize giveaways. They regularly attract 40 to 50 runners and are aided by sponsors Bridge Road Brewers, Brooks Running and Zeffz.
For more on the Winter Solstice event, head here or here. To join in, head here.
NB It's BYO for racing and spectating and if you plan to compete, you can choose your own beer, but prizes are awarded for compliant 355ml, 5 percent ABV beers.
