Over the recent weekend in Lisbon, Corey Bellemore, the unstoppable Canadian runner from Windsor, Ontario, added yet another feather to his cap by breaking the beer mile world record—and he did it again.
Competing in the 2025 Beer Mile World Classic, Bellemore clinched victory with an impressive time of 4 minutes and 27 seconds, trimming one second off his official best time from 2021. This victory marks his seventh world title in this quirky yet challenging event. The 30-year-old athlete executed a measured performance, showcasing his years of dedication to achieving this specific milestone.
The Rise of Corey Bellemore
Bellemore made history in 2016 when he first broke the beer mile world record and has since dominated the discipline. His attempt in 2023 resulted in a time of 4:30, despite the unexpected challenge of losing a shoe mid-race. A previous run in 2018, which clocked in at an astonishing 4:24, was disqualified due to excess foam—a common pitfall in the sport.
Official rules dictate that each beer consumed must be at least 355 ml and have a minimum of five percent alcohol, with strict penalties for violations, such as excessive foam, which could lead to disqualification.
This time around, everything fell perfectly into place for Bellemore—four beers, four laps, and most importantly, no missteps or errors. He executed his strategy impeccably, continuing his reign as the champion of an event that blends running with drinking, creating a unique niche in sports history.
Origins of the Beer Mile
The beer mile may come off as spontaneous, reminiscent of college party antics, but its origins are more structured. It traces back to the late 1980s in Ontario, born out of a night of shenanigans among university runners. By the early 1990s, students at Queen’s University formalized the rules under what are now referred to as the Kingston Rules, thus catalyzing a global phenomenon. Today, the Beer Mile World Classic stands as the premier event in this sport.
A Real Runner
Corey Bellemore is not merely a titleholder in a quirky sport; he is a serious competitor and a bona fide fast runner. With a 3:57 PR and qualifications as a sub-4:00 miler, he regularly competes in both track and road events across Canada. His diversifying skill set also sees him actively participate in events such as Half Ironman, making him a multifaceted athlete.
The Future of the Beer Mile
Speculation abounds regarding Bellemore’s future in the beer mile. After hinting at retirement following his previous year’s performance, his spectacular showing this season raises questions about whether he will continue to dominate the sport. Invoking curiosity among fans, he has proven time and again that both his skill and endurance in this unusual competition are unparalleled.
Currently, he stands undefeated in this unique niche of athletics. For anyone aspiring to take on the title from Bellemore, they will need to excel in two major arenas: drink fast and run faster, while ensuring absolutely no spillage is incurred. The world of the beer mile has transformed from an underground joke into a serious international contest, with Bellemore as its most formidable competitor.
