The 10th annual Barber Beast on the Bay is set to take place Saturday at Presque Isle State Park.
The event will once again offer a 10-mile, 30-obstacle course with competitive and non-competitive heats, and a 1-mile adapted course for those 12 years of age and older with physical or intellectual disabilities. As in past years, both courses will join and finish together at Waldameer.
“When you combine one of the most unique obstacle course runs, the natural gem that is Presque Isle State Park and a fantastic cause, this annual event is a perfect fit for Erie,” Erie Sports Commission Executive Director Mark Jeanneret said.
The Barber Beast on the Bay serves as the largest fundraising event of the year for the Barber National Institute and has raised more than $545,000 in its first nine years. The Barber National Institute serves more than 6,200 individuals annually with education, support and resources needed to become more self-reliant, independent and valued members of their communities.
“This event serves as the perfect metaphor for what the Barber National Institute strives to achieve – bringing everyone together to tackle challenges and celebrate our achievements,” said Robert Barber, Barber National Institute senior vice president. “We can’t wait to welcome the more than 1,300 participants and show them all of the great 10th-anniversary surprises we’ve been working on for them. We’re proud that the Barber Beast on the Bay is the only obstacle event in the country to include an inclusive adapted course for adults with disabilities.”
As with previous editions, this year’s course will feature a selection of new obstacles alongside returning favorites, and will take participants through Presque Isle’s sand, mud, water and trails with challenges for every level of obstacle course competitor.
Registration will be available at the event on Saturday morning, and the Barber National Institute encourages members of the public to attend the event to cheer on all of the participants on either the 10-mile or adapted course. Members of the public are also welcome to celebrate at the finish line with festivities including music, dancing and food trucks.
More information on the event is available at BarberBeast.org.
