2008 Riverwest Beer Run

[GG300]

Last Sunday was my Second Anniversary of participating in local running events even though at my speed it can hardly be called racing. This was my third crack at the Riverwest Beer Run. This grueling 1.8 mile event is held in a less than desireable location and attracts many of the colorful locals that run in everything from Prom Dresses to kids pool toys. The other thing that seperates this event from others is that the aid stations are only stocked with 4 different micro brews. This years dash was hampered by torrential rain, wind and of course thunder and lightning. Just prior to the start of the race the storm peaked damaging several of the tents that were set up for the street fair as well as the portable wooden bars that were set up outside the tavern that we were waiting out the storm in (as well as having some pre race cocktails). Since we were only 2 blocks from the starting line we decided to wait inside to see if they would even run the event but to no surprise to most in the crowd the pack soon thundered by us. I grabbed my running buddy and we took off in the down pour near the middle of the pack where we belonged. After just a few minutes on the we were totaly drenched but pushed on to our first of four beer stops. Due to the storm they were only pouring 1 beer at a time. Since there were several hundred runners ahead and us not getting any nearer grabbing a beer after a few minutes of waiting we dragged our parched bodies on. Just as I get around the pack some yahoo running with one of those damn strollers decides to change course without looking and takes a swipe at my knee with the side of handle. Fortunately all I got out of it was a minor scrape and a bad attitude. After another couple of minutes of running we came upon the second stop and this one was flowing smoothly as was the beer. We grabbed 2 and started onto the course only to realize 2 things, first the turn ahead of us was so flooded (3' deep) that some of the guys donning pool toys were floating on the course and splashing around like kids and secondly but most important our Weiss Beer was watered down from the rain and warm. The gal who was running with me recently had her ACL operated on and had just recieved the OK from her doctor to do some easy running on it so we didn't wander through the flood to avoid any unforseen obstacles and possible injury. This trek took us about a block out of our way but with some persistence we soon approached our third stop. This stop seemed to have the program down pat and was pouring a very good Amber Ale. Since this was our first good beer we did a brief walk so that we wouldn't spill a drop. One block later we were on our way with renewed fervor. Knowing that are last beer stop was only blocks away we picked up our pace to the point where you could almost call it a run. As we turned the next corner there it was, our final beer stop. This stop was serving a nice Brown Ale but with the finish line only 3 blocks away we slammed it and moved on. But as we went into traffic our third running partner appeared. It seems we left her at the bar as she was getting a rain jacket from one of our friends (wuss). She had joined us just in time for our finishing kick. Now in full force we charged the few blocks to the end with a blazing time of 25 minutes and 28 seconds. Not bad considering that it rained the entire time, a slight detour due to flooding and an extended wait at our first stop. It was actually a little quicker than last year when we made a few extra stops. Despite the weather we still had a good time. Unlike the folks who came to watch us as they were sidelined the whole time in the bar. I also didn't get many good pictures as most folks went home immediately after the run.

The weather just prior to the start of the run.



Downed Bars on the course.



Me with my Running buddies Tina (left) and Kimmy (Right)