By Foot or Big Wheel, Join the Fun

There are two pretty awesome activities for you to take part in or just watch the shenanigans before the professionals hit the road Saturday.

Roanoke Valley Beer Mile

Participants run a one mile course downtown while chugging beer. The elite race is a qualifier for nationals (which are held in Texas) and will be racing for a $1,000 prize split among the top male and female winners. Elite racers must finish a 5 percent ABV regulation size beer (12 ounces); participants in the fun run only chug 6 ounces every quarter mile. The race is sponsored by Parkway Brewing and all runners will be drinking Majestic Mullet.

Register online (and don’t forget to add an optional t-shirt). You can also register at RunAbout Sports on Friday from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. or on site the day of the race from 2-3:30 p.m. (The race starts at 4:30 p.m. in front of Martin’s Downtown.)

Adult Big Wheel Criterium

Teams of racers will hit the quarter-mile course on three wheels to take home major bragging rights. The first team to finish six laps wins. Even better, racers are encouraged to come in costume. While the race is already full – thanks for registering in advance – it will be a hoot to watch all the shenanigans and cheer on your friends. (The race starts at 3:30 p.m. in front of Martin’s Downtown.)

Virginia’s Blue Ridge Downtown Twilight Criterium

• When: May 21
• Where: Downtown Roanoke (course map)
• Cost: Free