North Little Rock will crown its first state beer mile champions this fall in the Argenta neighborhood.
North Little Rock will crown its first state beer mile champions this fall when the inaugural Arkansas State Championship Beer Mile takes place Oct. 24 in the Argenta neighborhood.
The event challenges participants to drink four 12-ounce beers and run four laps totaling one mile, blending athletic competition with community spirit.
“Beer miles have become increasingly popular in the last decade,” said race director Jeff Chastain. “They are a great way for a community to celebrate their craft beer scene and have a friendly competition that is fun for participants and spectators alike.”
One male and one female champion will be crowned at the event, which is open only to participants 21 and older. The race includes categories for all skill levels and builds on a local tradition previously held as the Dogtown Throw Down.
Chastain said the event is designed to grow into something larger over time. “This isn’t the only beer mile in Arkansas,” he said. “We are going to invite their winners to attend our event and compete for the state title. And we hope to encourage more regional events around the state to qualify participants for the state championship and eventually make our race a full weekend event.”
The Arkansas State Championship Beer Mile benefits Recycle Bikes for Kids, a North Little Rock nonprofit that provides free bicycles to children, offers adults the opportunity to earn bikes and supports community cycling education and infrastructure.
How the Arkansas State Championship Beer Mile Works
The race follows a straightforward format: participants drink one 12-ounce beer, run a quarter-mile lap, and repeat the sequence four times. All beer consumption must take place inside a designated chug zone, and participants must hand their can to a race official before beginning each lap. Officials measure remaining contents to verify full consumption. Any participant with one cumulative ounce or more of beer remaining will be disqualified.
Beer is provided by event organizers in 12-ounce cans. Participants may not bring their own. Cans must remain sealed until the start of each drinking segment, and no straws, devices or special techniques, including puncturing or squeezing the can, are permitted.
Any participant who vomits at any point during the race must complete a penalty lap before their finishing time is recorded.
Race Categories and Time Limits
The event offers three competitive categories to accommodate a range of participants:
Elite: A 12-minute time limit. Finishers in this category are eligible for the state championship title.
Recreational: A 20-minute time limit.
Casual: A 30-minute time limit.
Participants who do not finish within their category’s time limit will be removed from the course regardless of progress.
Frequently Asked Questions About the Arkansas Beer Mile
What is a beer mile? A beer mile is a competitive race in which participants drink one 12-ounce beer before each of four quarter-mile laps, completing a total of one mile and four beers.
Where is the Arkansas State Championship Beer Mile held? The race takes place in the Argenta neighborhood of North Little Rock, Ark.
When is the Arkansas State Championship Beer Mile? The event is scheduled for Oct. 24, 2026.
Who can participate? The event is open to anyone 21 and older.
What beer is used? Beer is provided by event organizers in 12-ounce cans. Participants may not bring outside beverages.
What charity does the race benefit? Proceeds support Recycle Bikes for Kids, a nonprofit based at 717 E. 10th St. in North Little Rock that provides free bicycles to children and supports community cycling programs.
Registration is open now, with limited spots available. For more information or to register, visit www.arkansasbeermile.com.
This article was originally published on ArkansasOutside.com, your trusted source for outdoor news and updates in The Natural State. Unless otherwise credited, all photos included in this piece are the property of Arkansas Outside, LLC. We take pride in sharing the beauty and adventures of Arkansas through our lens—thank you for supporting our work!
