This is from irvingb@sonic.net (Irving H. Baker) on alt.callahans.

In Germany there was a marathon, wherein, each area sent their best runners to represent the area. The race was grueling and at the finish the runner from Bavaria staggered to the finish line first. As he passed the line, he dropped dead from exhaustion. Needless to say he became an instant hero to Bavaria and was moved to the city hall where he was lying in state. His catafalque became known as the “Bushed Bavarian’s Bier”.