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.

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.