Victoria Crocker
Participants of the Tap 'N' Run 4K start running after chugging their first beer at the beginning of the race on Hillsborough Street on Saturday, Oct. 19, 2013. Photographed by Victoria Crocker.
People chugged beer and ran on Hillsborough Street Saturday during the 2.5 mile Tap ‘N’ Run event in which about 3,150 cans of beer were consumed.
About 1,400 people participated in the Raleigh race, according to Morgan Coslow, the event coordinator.
The event had two rules. First, all alcohol was to be consumed at the chug stations and could not be taken off the course, and second, have fun.
Many of the participants were dressed in costumes for the event.
Joann Mantovani, Kit Gardner, Lisa Christmas, and Amanda Labrecque dressed as a six-pack of beer with two cans already missing, and they said they were most looking forward to drinking beer with good friends.
Micah Beckman and Tricia Prohaska, who dressed as Dick Tracey and Breathless Mahoney, said they hoped to complete the race without getting sick.
Other people dressed as Vikings, killer bees, Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, PBR cans, pirates, and the three blind mice.
The race started on Enterprise Street by handing out a five-ounce serving of Mystery Brewing beer.
Participants then ran to Gorman Street where they turned around and headed to the finish line on Horne Street.
On the course, racers had to stop at two stations and drink another five ounce serving of beer before continuing the race. One chug station was located on Stanhope Avenue and the other was between Henderson and Shepard streets.
Once racers crossed the finish line, they were rewarded with a participation medal and a full can of Heineken.
Several winners were featured at the conclusion of the event, but participants did not win by finishing in first.
A 66-year-old man completed the race and won the Barely Breathing award, which was given to the oldest competitor.
Awards such as Biggest Party, Drunkest Duo, Most Original Team Concept, and Most Original Team Name were given out.
Coslow said that security was onsite to ensure runners had a fun and safe experience.
“We make sure all of our staff members don’t over serve anyone or don’t serve any one who is overly intoxicated,” Coslow said. “They have the right to refuse anyone beer.”