Results 2025

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Feral - not domesticated or cultivated: wild

Free - enjoying civil and political liberty

In 1782, Congress approved the final design for the Great Seal of the United States of America. The front of the seal features a bald eagle clasping an olive branch in its right talon, and 13 arrows in its left. The eagle’s head is turned towards the olive branch to symbolize its preference for peace. A superb piece of art and symbolism that endures to this day and serves as a sort of mascot for the Unites States.  But I think a raccoon holding a cupcake with sparklers in it would work just as well. Allow me to explain. 

Sound familiar? If that doesn’t convince you, then consider this: a raccoon once lived in the White House.  True story. Her name was Rebecca. She arrived in 1926 as a gift meant to be served as the President’s Thanksgiving dinner. Thankfully, President Calvin Coolidge and his wife, Grace, spared her life and adopted her as a pet.  She lived a life of luxury and mischief. White House chefs prepared her meals. She had a custom treehouse built on the White House grounds. She even traveled on presidential vacations. But she was also an escape artist and frequently led secret service agents on wild chases. She was ungovernable. Feral. 

So yeah, a bald eagle holding stuff in its talons in cool and all, but a trash panda holding a cupcake with sparklers in it is about as American as it gets. 

Now that we all can agree on the mascot for the 2025 Grand Lake Beer Mile, let’s turn our attention to the race. The setting for the 7th annual GLBM looked a little different this year. A beautiful new fence around the Preserve at Grand Lake made the former starting location unusable. As a result, the starting line was moved inside the neighborhood, just south of the construction entrance. Race organizers were initially worried about the change in location, but it was soon evident that the forced relocation was a blessing in disguise. When word got out that the race had moved inside the boundaries of the neighborhood, The feral residents of the Preserve began to show enthusiastic support for the race. Word spread quickly, and before long it was the talk of the neighborhood. On race day, the neighborhood was buzzing and the starting line was surrounded by spectators in lawn chairs. A beautiful sight.

The race was a beautiful sight as well. A familiar one, but beautiful none-the-less. For the 4th time since the GLBM began in 2019, Justin Mitchell was the Men’s Division champion. This victory broke a tie between him and Michael Mackelvie for most wins in GLBM history, both having 3 wins going into the race. Topping the podium in the Women’s Division was Lauren Mitchell, who secured her 3rd title. This win broke a three-way tie in the Women’s Division between Lauren, Katie Seikel, and Lorena Santoni Mackelvie for most wins in GLBM history. Rounding out the podium in the Men’s Division were Justin Walker in 2nd place, and Garrett Schaede in 3rd. For the Women’s Division, it was newcomer Melanie Carnes in 2nd, and Ashley Walker in 3rd.  Another newcomer, Chris Sexton, won first place in the Legends Division. He was also the only competitor in the division, but still quite the accomplishment. 

We appreciate all the support from the feral residents of the Preserve at Grand Lake and look forward to putting on another great race next year!

- Grand Lake Beer Mile Team