Article by Sue-Ellen Sanders
Sailfish Beer Run Benefitting Big Brothers Big Sisters of St. Lucie
There was something for everyone at this year’s 2021 Sailfish Beer Mile, from competitive runners to families to tourists traveling through the area.
Nearly 400 runners, walkers and families joined in the Sunday, November 7 celebration, filling the streets of downtown Fort Pierce, in three lively waves.
The sixth annual race was moved to November and the Sunday event welcomed groups, gym teams, family teams and friends of all ages, from ages 8-88, as they ran and walked through the half-mile loop two times, drinking beer (or root beer) at four different stops.
Every finisher received a custom medal, souvenir tee-shirt and four pours of their choice of libation. There were so many competitors this year, says Race Organizer Sue-Ellen Sanders, that they ran out of tee-shirts and had to order more.
Over $5,000 was raised to benefit the literacy programs of Big Brothers Big Sisters, this year’s recipient, thanks to major sponsors Sailfish Brewing Company and Louden Pools.
Top Five Male finishers were: Lee Kolias, Brendan Dreitlein, Nickolas Fleissner, Matthew Van Leeuwen and Jordan Sartori. Top Five Female finishers were: Shelby Guile, Charley Fischer, Jessica Schmitt, Kiersten Fischer and Carolyn Dodd.
The largest team was Hard Exercise Works (HEW), nosing out the Orange Theory Fitness team. And Fastest average time was Stay Rooted Run Club. This year’s event boasted more than 25 teams, with fun names, like IPA Lot When I Run, Team Chaos, Drunkin’ Grown Ups, Brewery Busters, A Running Joke, Gym & Tonic, Honey Badgers, Don’t Stop BEERlieving, The Vikings and more.
Photos and full results and finish times are available via the Facebook page. Next year’s race will be November 6, 2022 and registration is open on RunSignUp. For information, contact Sue-Ellen Sanders at sailfishbeermile@gmail.com
Young Kyler Ferraro takes off ahead of the pack.
