Bloemfontein Striders Beer mile Thu 24 Sep 2026 @ Bloemfontein, Free State

Race Rules:

The beer mile is pretty simple. Drink 4 beers and run 4 laps around the track in alternating fashion as quickly as you can. But just to be sure everyone is on the same playing field, here is the standard set of beer mile rules to follow.

• Each competitor drinks four bottles (340ml) of beer and runs four laps around a standard running track. This is done in alternating fashion, starting with a beer, followed by one lap. Beer will be supplied by South African Breweries and Bloemfontein Striders running club. 
• Beer must be consumed before the lap begins within the transition area. The transition area is the 9-meter zone between the starting line for a mile race and the finish line of a 400m track.
• The race begins with competitors lined up on the mile starting line, drinking the first beer in the transition zone described in the step above. Competitors can walk/move in the transition area while drinking, but all beer must be consumed in the transition area before setting off to run a lap.
• Empty bottles must be turned over above your head to prove it is empty before discarding it in the designated bin. Only then are you allowed to start the lap. 
• Women and men follow the same rules. The same rules also apply to the non-alcoholic event. With the relay, each participant does one beer and one lap. 
• No specialized cans or bottles may be used that give an advantage by allowing the beer to pour at a faster rate (e.g. wide mouth bottles/cans).
• Beer cans must not be tampered with in any manner. (e.g. no shotgunning, puncturing the can, squeezing the can, etc.). The same applies for bottles - no straws or other aids allowed that speed up the pouring process. The only action allowed is opening the can with the tab at the top or twisting off the bottle cap of a bottle.
• Each beer can/bottle must not be opened until the competitor enters the transition zone on each lap.
• Competitors who vomit before they finish the race must complete one penalty lap at the end of the race (immediately after the completion of their 4th lap). Vomiting more than once during the race still only requires one penalty lap at the end.
• Competitors who spill their beer will be issued with a red card and will have to complete a penalty lap after their final lap. This decision will be one for the race referee and will be the final decision. 
• No seconding or any assistance from outside allowed
• All instructions form race officials and marshals must be obeyed at all times. Race referee has the final say. 

General information:

The event will consist of 13 Beer mile races. Each race will host a maximum of 25 participants. Some races will be standard, some will be non-alcoholic, some will be female-only and some will be a relay. Please check the entry form so you enter for the correct race. 

The first race of the event will start at 09:00 and from there each 20min. Make sure you have the starting time for your specific race. Please be ready 10min prior to your starting time for a quick race briefing. If you are late, you will lose your entry. No entries will be carried over to other races, unless prior arrangement with organisers. 

Follow all the rules described in the “Race rules” and “Race regulations” and ask questions at the race briefing if uncertain. The judgement of the race referee will be final. 

Each participant will have a maximum of 20 min to complete the race. Thereafter you will be asked to leave the track so the next race may start. 

We invite all participants and their supporters to celebrate Braai-day next to the track (on the grass banks) by pitching your gazebo and having a braai. Alternatively, you are welcome to support the food stall and the beer garden.

Support the other participants and join the gees for a lekker Heritage Day! 

Drink responsibly, no alcohol or alcoholic race entry for sale to persons under the age of 18. Don’t supply minors of alcohol!