First-Ever Flotrack Beer Mile World Championships Set for December 3, 2014 in Austin

Elite field includes Olympian Nick Symmonds

AUSTIN, Texas (August 21, 2014) – Flocasts announced today the details for the first-ever Flotrack Beer Mile World Championships, to be held December 3, 2014 in Austin, Texas, the home of Flocasts headquarters.   Elite beer-mile athletes signed on for the event include 800-meter Olympian Nick Symmonds, and top beer-milers Elizabeth Laseter (25) of Charlotte, NC and Corey Gallagher (27) of Winnipeg, Manitoba, among others.

“The participation in the beer mile has grown enormously. Conquering it has become a prized accomplishment for many elite runners and it’s time to officially crown the World Champion,” said Flocasts co-founder Mark Floreani.  “The Flotrack Beer Mile World Championship will bring together the best of the best in Austin this December, and we look to put on an incredible show that celebrates the spirit and culture of the sport.”

The championship, for which the venue will be revealed on the day of the race, will follow professional track meet standards, including fully automatic timing, strict adherence to the beer mile rules, and a cash prize for the winners and potential new world record holders. Currently, the unofficial men's mile record is 4:57.1 and the women's record is 6:42.0.

"The beer mile is a fun event that is popular with the masses,” said Olympian Nick Symmonds. “In the past, thirsty runners like myself have taken to local tracks at night and occasionally broadcast our efforts on YouTube. Thanks to Flocasts, we can give this race a proper stage and find out who really is the king (and queen) of the beer mile.”

For competing athletes, the World Championships are an opportunity to further elevate their sport and showcase their athletic capabilities.

“I'm a competitive person, so a challenge like the Beer Mile World Championships excites me,” said competitor Elizabeth Laseter. “This race will showcase how well you can stomach four beers in less than 10 minutes—while sprinting. To me, that's a badass race.”

The event will also feature various relay heats for celebrities, media and sponsors