Costumed characters, beer highlight Tap 'N' Run 4K

By Nelson Hicks

ATLANTA — Costumed characters filled the streets of Virginia Highland over the weekend as the area hosted the Tap 'N' Run 4K.

Unlike most races, where it's all about a runner's time to complete the course, the Tap 'N' Run 4K was all about the experience. Organizers call it a social race. Yes, the race was timed and several runners on Saturday posted some impressive times, but for most taking part, it was more about having fun.

[ GALLERY: Costumed characters, beer highlight Tap 'N' Run 4K ]

Participants ran, jogged, walked or strolled the 4K course which included four beer chugging stations where runners downed a four ounce beer. A full beer awaited those runners at the finish line, as did a massive party.

Contestants competed in contests like the best mustache, real and fake, short shorts, team name and best costume, among others.

"Cool Runnings" won the best costume award.

http://bcove.me/775s8t5u

The Mario Kart team took home an award on the afternoon, too.

http://bcove.me/knmvktlz

Here are a couple comments on the race from Twitter.

"Drink and run. Perfect!!! Then run and drink. (@ Tap N' Run 2012)," noted Jay Gaines.

"Tap run with my peeps! 80s style all the way! @ Tap N' Run 2012," tweeted Chelsey Binkley.

"It's Saturday, I was out of bed before 8 am, ran double digits and then ran again for the tap n run 4k. This all = a well earned a LONG nap," tweeted Kaitlyn Dennihy.