Yooper Bars wants you to be a beerlympian!

If you've ever been to the Upper Peninsula or if you live here, you know one thing for certain: The U.P. isn't lacking in bars.

Randy and Kevin Kluck figured that out awhile ago, too, and penned the guide known as Yooper Bars. The book has been quite a hit and has even been on of the best-selling books in Michigan. It has done wonders for helping spread the word about the Upper Peninsula to beer-loving tourists, too.

"For many months we have had reports of people from downstate coming up to the U.P. for a long weekend," says Randy Kluck. "They have bought (our) book and are insisting on signatures from the bars they visit.  Seems like these 'downstaters' are having the time of their lives--great ambiance, food and fun at Yooper Bars--and very affordable."

So the authors decided that writing the book just wasn't enough and decided they needed to find even more ways to promote bars up here. So they invented the barathalon.

"We expect 100's of participants--this is a rare event where there are no losers," says Kluck. "Every participant will have a great time. They will never forget their experience."

And, well, they can win money, too.

How, you ask. Well, check out the rules here.

Kluck says folks participating will have a blast and they'll get a chance to see plenty of the Upper Peninsula in the process--something he thinks everyone should do.

"It has been my opinion for many years that the U.P is the greatest place in the world to spend a week," he says. "We have something for everyone--and you will not go broke having the time of your life. The U.P. is too much of a well-kept secret."

Kluck didn't miss a chance to shed a little humor on the new athletic event Yoopers will no doubt enjoy.

"Very few of us will be at the events in London," he says. "With the barathalon, you can bring a little bit of London to the U.P. This barathalon will require a high level of speed, stamina, smarts and thirst."

Writer: Sam Eggleston
Source: Randy Kluck, Yooper Bars