Earlier this summer, Dan Beach ran a 125km race through the Rocky Mountains. There’s no decimal point missing there. That’s 125 grueling, overland klicks… with a 5,200m elevation gain… and that wasn’t even his longest run. SoCIAL LITE’s co-founder once travelled 160km in a single race! Do you think in 15 years of pushing himself to those kinds of extremes he might know a thing or two about what to consume after running? You bet he does.

But you don’t have to be an ultra-marathoner to reward yourself with a cool libation. “After people go out and work up a sweat they like to relax with a well-deserved, refreshing drink. SoCIAL LITE is the perfect post-workout drink,” he explains. “It’s light and refreshing, and has a great flavour profile.”

Two years ago, Beach and his good friend Kevin Folk (also a runner) developed the first ever unsweetened, low calorie, premium vodka soda made with 100% natural flavours. SoCIAL LITE is the only pre-mixed drink on the market with neither sugar nor sweetener, according the Beach. It’s also gluten free. The final blend of ingredients comes out to only 80 calories per 355ml bottle.

Their lightly carbonated cocktail recipe, using vodka from a small-batch distiller in Port Dover, Ontario, proved so enticing – its potential so vast – that Arlene Dickenson of Dragons’ Den fame decided to invest her own capital to help it reach a greater audience. SoCIAL LITE Lime Ginger is already on the LCBO shelves, while other flavour combos like Pineapple Mango and Lemon Cucumber Mint could be available as early as 2017.

As for their involvement with the Famous Canadian Beer Run, Beach reiterates his team’s love of running and staying active. “We wanted to be involved because we see a great alignment of brands. SoCIAL LITE is aimed at health conscious individuals who enjoy socializing.”

You might not be crossing mountains September 18th, but you still totally deserve the SoCIAL LITE Lime Ginger vodka soda that’s going to greet you when you get to Ontario Place.