Beer Mile North American Classic Presented by Urban Chestnut Brewing Company

Event Overview

St. Louis is the home of beer. It runs deep in our history, our neighborhoods, and in the way we gather. And the STL running community? United, supportive, and proudly loud when it matters. Last summer, The STL Beer Mile on the track sparked something bigger, proving that this city, the Gateway to the West, is a hub for runners and beer lovers alike.

On Saturday, July 11, 2026, the inaugural Beer Mile North American Classic arrives at Urban Chestnut Brewing Company, bringing a full night of racing and a spectator experience you won’t want to miss!

Course Details

• Location: Manchester Avenue in The Grove will transform into our course for the evening.
• Chug Zone: Located at the center of the action on Newstead Ave.
• Loop: A fast, spectator-friendly 400m loop with out-and-back structure.
• Races: Runners head 200m west to Taylor Ave and back to the chug zone, then 200m east to Tower Grove Ave and back to the chug zone.

Spectator Experience

• Viewing Options: Grab a spot on the Urban Chestnut terrace for elevated views.
• Open Heats: Cheer on friends as they race beer by beer.
• Main Event: The Elite Heat closes the night with 40–50 of the fastest beer milers in North America.
• Record Holder: Includes world record holder Corey Bellemore competing.

Schedule of Events

• 6:00 - 9:00 PM: Beer Mile races
• 6 PM - 8 PM: Open heats
• Individual Heats: 50 runners per heat, heats assigned based on XXX.
• 2-Person Relay Heats: 50 teams per heat (100 total athletes).
• Participation: Runner 1 drinks the first 2 beers and completes the first 2 laps.
• Finale: Runner 2 drinks the final 2 beers and completes the last 2 laps.
• 8:30 PM: Elite heats featuring the fastest beer milers.
• 9:00 - Midnight: Afterparty
• Entertainment: Live DJ all evening.
• Food: Vendor Central in the UCBC parking lot with food from Grove favorites.
• Viewing: Prime spectating from the terrace and along the course.

Your Registration Includes

• Drinks: Four 12oz cans of Urban Chestnut Zwickel (5.1% ABV).
• Merchandise: Koozie, and hat or t-shirt (you choose), or opt out of either to save $5.
• Options: Non-alcoholic options: 4 NA beers or 2 NA beers + 2 Zwickel.
• Extras: Official timing by Big River Race Management, access to Vendor Central + terrace spectating, and race photos.

Important Note: Participants may not bring their own beer.

The Rules

• Race Structure: Each runner drinks 4 beers and runs 4 laps of a 400m course.
• Beer Requirements: Beers (minimum 12 oz / 355mL, ≥5.0% ABV) must be consumed in the transition zone.
• Can Restrictions: Cans cannot be opened before entering the zone.
• Penalty: If a runner vomits, they complete one penalty lap after finishing the fourth lap: no shotgunning allowed.

For more information and registration, visit the event website: Beer Mile North American Classic.