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Corey Bellemore already owns the Beer Mile world record, posting a time of 4:28 back in 2021. On Saturday, he attempted to top that mark.
Unfortunately, an equipment malfunction caused a brief delay at the start of his most recent race. Despite the issue, he still managed to finish an incredible 22 seconds ahead of the competition.
The Beer Mile has become an annual event in the US, and one that involves short distance running and quick alcohol consumption. The premise is simple. Chug a beer before every lap around the track.
A total of four beers will be consumed, each of which must be at least 5% ABV.
The 9th annual Beer Mile was held in Chicago over the weekend, and Bellemore didn’t disappoint. The runner seemed poised to top his personal best, and he came close to doing so.
That performance didn’t come without a little adversity, though.
Bellemore lost a shoe out of the gate, which forced him to run the entire race with only half of his footwear. A fellow runner actually tripped at the start of the event, getting tangled up with the Canadian while falling to the track.
It didn’t seem to slow him down too much as Bellemore was well ahead of the pack by the end of that first lap.
He’d finish Saturday’s Beer Mile just two seconds off of world record pace, crossing the finish line at 4:30.
Fans and media were quick to comment on social media.
Darren Rovell of Action Network wrote, “World record holder Corey Bellemore beats elite beer mile field by 22 seconds, drinks four beers and runs a mile in FOUR MINUTES AND 30 SECONDS — after losing a shoe during the race.”
World record holder @CoreyBellemore beats elite beer mile field by 22 seconds, drinks four beers and runs a mile in FOUR MINUTES AND 30 SECONDS — after losing a shoe during the race. pic.twitter.com/YYfUKAnxL2
— Darren Rovell (@darrenrovell) July 2, 2023
His fellow Canadians loved it with this fan posting, “Losing your shoe while running after beers, what a perfect Canadian tribute by national treasure Corey Bellemore on Canada Day.”
Another follower said, “Corey Bellemore is the GOAT of beer mile running. He is to beer mile running what MJ is to basketball.” Flu Game-esque.
It was certainly an incredible performance given the circumstances. Hopefully next year he can take down his own personal record.