Cottonmouth 8 Mile

Cottonmouth 8 Mile & Beerlay : Lakewood Nature Preserve

The Cottonmouth Beerlay is an 8 mile trail event held at Lakewood Nature Preserve in Greenville, SC (220 Lakewood Dr, 29607). The course is four repeats of a two mile grassy trail loop that passes through shaded sections, rolling hills, wildlife-prone areas, and a rustic barn that serves as race headquarters.

Racing formats include solo and relay teams of two to four. Each lap must be completed after consuming a randomly selected beverage from a BYOB community pool. For the drinking portion participants must be 21 or older; minors and sober participants may use carbonated nonalcoholic alternatives. The BYOB procedure requires each runner to contribute four beers (5%+ ABV) to a chilled communal pool; volunteers distribute mystery selections that are opened and poured before the lap. Swapping or selecting specific drinks is not permitted.

Timing uses chip timing with four-lap split tracking for both solo and relay entries. Included with entry are park admission, a custom race bib, event photos, a finisher medal, giveaways, music, and a post-race gathering that features a hot dog bar. Post-race activities include Beer Olympics with games such as beer pong, tug of war, cornhole, spike ball, and hillbilly golf. Awards are given to top solo finishers and to top teams across multiple divisions.

Volunteers who work a three hour shift receive a complimentary entry to an Upstate Race Series owned event. Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.