Every now and then, a day and event align with the cosmos to create a perfect moment of life. On Saturday, I participated in the first ever 5k International Beer Dash on Lantau. The event was to raise money for the Lantau Buffalo Association and the Protection of Animals Lantau Society. A run, plenty of beer, and a good cause – what more can someone ask for? Given my love of the brew and my recent newfound efforts to get in shape, this event offered the perfect objectives.
People came dressed as cows, as medical staff, in kilts. In short, many seemed to be, like us, more there for fun and beer than the race per se. A moment epitomizing the race came after Station 2. At Station 1, we were given cans of beer [San Miguel]. At Station 2 we were handed cups of beer. An ETA and I were a little disappointed as we ran toward Station 3 and commented about whether or not we could just ask for a bottle. As if by divine providence, a runner in a huge Carrot top fro turned and said, ‘Man…you can take two or three bottles if you want. I mean, you are wearing a boa, man. You think there are rules to this race?’
Indeed. I was wearing a feather boa while talking to a man with a huge fro and glasses. I’m running a race where I am expected to stop and drink beers. In public. I suppose there are really no rules. Joy. The beers were pretty standard Hong Kong fare [San Miguel, Carlsberg, Tsingdao] but one beer, a New Zealand brew, was quite delicious and a pleasant surprise. So, find yourself some Monteiths.
Mostly, I’m sad that this race would never happen near my hometown. This was possibly the greatest idea ever had by any organization on the planet. People in costumes, drinking beer, laughing, and running. It was a blast. Here are few pics:
More photos are here.
