Chris Robertson Lowers Beer Mile American Record to 4:38, Wins 2020 World Title
Chris Robertson (USA) won his 2nd beer mile world title in record fashion, setting a new beer mile American record of 4:38 as a part of the 2020 Beer Mile World Classic. He led the USA Men's Beer Mile Team to its 4th straight world title.
Robertson became the first American, and second person ever, to break the 4:40 beer mile barrier. His 4:38 beer mile on June 25, 2020 bettered his previous American record (4:45) by 7 seconds. His time was also just 5 seconds off the current world record (4:33).
Robertson's 4:38 beer mile won him the 2020 Beer Mile World Classic title and a nice little payday. This year's world championship was virtual due to COVID-19, with competitors around the world submitting beer miles run on their local tracks to compete for $8,000 in prize money. Robertson won by 15 seconds to runner-up Markus Liwing of Sweden.
Beer Mile American Record - 4:38
Race Splits
| Beer | Lap | Total Elapsed Time | |
| 1 | 5.1 | 1:04.0 | 1:09.1 |
| 2 | 5.7 | 1:04.3 | 2:19.1 (1:10.0) |
| 3 | 6.4 | 1:04.3 | 3:29.8 (1:10.7) |
| 4 | 6.4 | 1:02.5 | 4:38.7 (1:08.9) |
3 Beer Miles. 5 Days. 2 American Records
Robertson completed 3 beer miles in the span of 5 days as a part of the virtual beer mile world championships. Competitors were allowed to run as many beer miles as they desired in a one-week span and submit their best time.
On June 20, Robertson ran a 4:45 beer mile to lower his own American record from 2017 (4:46) by 1 second. Three days later, he attempted another but came up a little short in 4:48. Two days after that, on June 25, Robertson had his 4:38 breakthrough.
Watch the full 2020 Beer Mile World Classic
View the 2020 Beer Mile World Classic results here.
Photos from the Beer Mile American Record Performance
All photos courtesy of Ryan Gooding Photography
What is a beer mile?
The Beer Mile is equal parts gastric challenge and athletic endeavor, requiring competitors to drink a 355ml beer (5% minimum ABV) before every quarter mile of the race, totaling four beers over the one-mile course. See the official beer mile rules here.
