Beast for a Day Ultras

Course Description:

Per Warren Kimball:

For those of you who have never run the Beast trail before, I thought I'd give a brief description of the course and a few suggestions (note, my tips are mostly addressed to those that are running the twelve hour, since this is what I'm doing, or if you aren't planning on running super hard the whole time). I haven't run this race before but I've spent lots of time running this trail and I train on it regularly, including a number of pretty long runs (up to 30 miles). The trail is shaded about 99% of the time but it runs along a creek and it can still be hot if the humidity is high. It is a 5.6~ mile loop. It begins with a pretty fast downhill that you could easily run too fast if you are running the 12 hour race. The first mile or so of the trail is mostly flat or downhill. The surface is either hard-packed dirt or sand, and some of the sandy sections can be hard to run in, but most of these are pretty short. After the first mile or so you will hit the most hilly sections of the course over the next 3 miles. The hills are not long, but they are steep,and the trail is rutted out and full of roots (word of warning, you'll probably fall a few times). I think each loop only has a couple hundred feet of elevation gain but it will feel like more. Some of the hills climb from the lower section of the course and exit the woods leading to a short flat section outside the tree line that will lead you back into the woods and downhill on the trail. These short flats outside of the woods are a great chance to get your heart rate down before getting back on the trail. There are a couple of sections of the trail that have some switchbacks and some that just cut straight up and down the hills. In my experience, I've found that as long as you can control your heart rate/effort level on the uphills, they are runnable. What can really take its toll are the downhills--they are steep and the pounding they give can really wear on your hips/ankles/feet. I like to relax when running down these and consciously try to run in a way that minimizes impact. After about 4 miles or so, there is a really steep hill that runs along the side of the creek (which will be to your left) that is probably the biggest hill on the course, but then the trail flattens out for almost another mile as you run along the creek back towards the start/finish. This is my favorite part of the course because you can really make up some time here, even if you run slow. If you feel like pushing a section, this would be the spot to do it since it won't wear you down like the hilly part will. Also keep in mind, if after about halfway through a loop you feel that you are going too slow, just know that you will most likely make up time in this last mile. Near the end of this section you will run through an opening where there is an archery range, and this is maybe a half mile or less to the finish. You will climb a hill after this and see the opening where the start area/parking lot is, but you're not done yet. The trail takes a sharp left and runs up and down a couple more hills and through the little wooded section that runs along the parking lot before you exit the trail and get to start all over again. That's about it! There's a reason they call this trail The Beast! The first few laps may even feel easy but it can really wear you down!

Rules:

Rules: All runners must follow the course in the correct order, breaking of the trail and skipping sections is grounds for automatic disqualification. Trail cameras will be in place to keep track of runners! All runners must complete each lap within a 2 hour limit. Runners must Check-in at START/FINISH when arriving and Check-out when leaving to head back on to the course.

12 Hour Runners DNF Policy: If you have equal to or more time left on the clock to start and finish a lap then your average lap time at the completion of your last lap and decide not to continue then (you) the runner has decided to quit knowing they are DNFing.

For example: 6 laps finished in 10 hours (1hr40min avg) / 2 hours remain... you must continue or DNF!

The one exception is if a runner has reached the 7laps then they can quit whenever they want after the BEAST BELT is earned.

I installed this rule because runners signing up for the 12 hour race are trying to run 12hours and did not signup for a 9 hour race. I want to inspire others to push beyond their mental and physical limits. At first I had a little pushback from this hard line I made but during and after the race the runners that came through and knew they would either DNF or run another lap and finished with the greatest sense of joy, accomplishment and satisfaction.

Also, any racer trying to break records and/or go after the cash prizes may not take water, hydration, gels, food, helping hands, or any assistances except within the (Start/Finish) area.

Additionally, any racer trying to break records and/or go after the cash prizes may not use hiking sticks or any other form of walking/running assistance for the duration of the race.

Lastly, No Pacers are allowed for any distance.

Runners Testimonials:

"No amount of running or training will prepare you for The Beast. You must find the beast in your heart and unleash it! If you want to see what you are made of then this is the ultimate test! I honestly think a most runners can do 7 Laps and earn the coveted belt. Question is....can they unleash the beast!"
- Jason Cheek - 3x Beast Belt Claimer 7 Laps 2015 - 9 Laps 2016 - 10 Laps 2017

Timeline:

12hr & 6hr Check-in:
5:00am - 5:45am
Start: 6:00am - Finish: 6:00pm & 12:00pm

3hr & 1 Lap Check-in
7:00am - 7:45am
Start: 8:00am - Finish: 11:00am & when you are finished!

Famous BEAST Belt:

Think high quality wide Full Grain single piece leather belt custom branded with "BEAST" and the number of laps ran. The belt will be snapback and ready to show off your next 100 Mile buckle...we recommend the Children of the Cane 100 (link below) LINK: https://ultrasignup.com/register.aspx?did=84350

Complete 6 laps (Females) or 7 laps (Males) to EARN your Custom BEAST Belt!

One of the coolest features here is we will be branding belts as runners finish up. Such a cool process to watch!

REFUNDS/CANCELLATIONS:

We will do our best to insure the event takes place!

NO Refunds or Rain Checks or Transfers to Other Runners will be available.

In the current world of pandemics, disasters and such a virtual option will be created if we are forced to cancel. All virtual participants that submit results and data will receive shirts and appropriate medals.