For a few months now I’ve been thinking about doing a Kastenlauf, German for “Crate Run”. It is pretty unique, and looks like fun.

The basic idea is a race with beer drinking. But more of a social event. And it originates in Germany with their beer crates.

The crate of beer is very common in Germany, and many parts of Europe. Plastic crates with 24 glass bottles, usually 330ml. You get them at pretty much every bottle shop. You drink the beers, then return the whole crate with all 24 bottles to get a discount on the next crate. A great way to recycle and reduce waste.

The event is a run that’s 5km – 10km. Teams of 2-4 people. Drink all the beer before you finish. And have lots of fun.

There’s a big list of rules for most events. But the core is the same:

• Finish the course. No shortcuts.
• Drink all the beers. No (deliberate) spillage.
• The crate can never touch the ground.
• No rubbish. Bottles AND caps must be carried all the way back.

There are usually penalties for breaking the rules. Adding time on.

Many of the events have prizes for all sorts of things. Fastest in each category and best dressed. Yep, most people dress up in a costume or theme!

Plus, they typically do some sort of quiz or quests along the way. Pen-and-paper based stuff.

All sounds fun.

So… how about one here in Australia?

How about *I* make it happen? …yep.

More soon…