Knoxville marathoner takes a mid-race break for a burrito and beer

KNOXVILLE, Tenn. (WVLT) — Imagine you’re in the home stretch of the marathon and you start to feel a little hungry and thirsty. You could do what most do and reach for some water or energy gels, or you could try the alternative – a burrito and some beer.

That’s what one runner at the Covenant Health Knoxville Marathon opted for at about mile 20 of the race, and Trailhead Beer Market has the picture to prove it!

The photo was shared on Trailhead Beer Market’s Facebook page of a runner at the bar savoring a burrito and getting served a beer.

Those with Trailhead Beer Market told Local 8 News in a Facebook message that they expected the runner to stick around for a while, but that’s not what happened. Instead, they said he ordered the beer and the next thing they realized, the glass was empty and he was out the door. Then the runner was onto Island Home for the last few miles of the race.

The burrito came from Savory and Sweet Food Truck. They handed these out at the Appalachian Mountain Bike Club water station.

One man commented on the photo saying the runner had chugged a beer just two miles before this.

Another spectator on the course said the runner stopped by to grab a mimosa on the 500 Block of Noelton Drive in Sequoyah Hills.

The runner has been identified by the executive director of the marathon as Jared Nelson of Knoxville. According to the race website, Nelson crossed the finish line at 6 hours and 6 minutes.

*Photo via WVLT