Rose Hawkswood Beer Mile, 19th May 2023

The annual madness that is the Rose Hawkswood Beer Mile took place at City Stadium on Friday evening. Perhaps encouraged by the sunshine on this lovely evening, there was a record attendance (I think) of 12 runners/drinkers – including some who should have known better!

Some runners did a warm-up lap (Kimberley Metson and Maria Duenas had also opted for a warm-up pint!). Then the cans and bottles were left out with the care of marathon runners sorting out their feed stations, and the runners gathered on the start line as Rose outlined the rules. Each contestant has to drink a beer in the designated area, then run 400m, open and drink the next one etc until 4 cans and 4 laps of the track have been completed. Beers should be 5% strength (Sierra Nevada pale ale seemed to be the beer of choice), though non-alcoholic alternatives are allowed for the non-drinkers.

And so the madness began! Sonam Wangdi and Laurie Johnson opened up a lead on the first lap, but it soon became clear that the ability to drink quickly was as important as basic running speed, as the “transition time” between laps became longer and longer. Runners were now getting lapped and it wasn’t always clear who was in which position.

What was clear, however, was that Sonam stayed in the lead to claim his first victory in this event, following a couple of second places. Laurie also held onto 2nd with Sam Dunn completing the podium positions. Kimberley was first lady in this not-very-ladylike pursuit!

Well done to all for completing this ordeal. See you next year?