The Barber Beast on the Bay has been recognized nationally by two national sports tourism industry publications.
The Beast was featured in the latest issue of Sports Destination Magazine, a national publication for sports event managers and organizers that provides planning and location strategies essential to hosting a successful event.
The article, written by Tammy Roche, director, strategic communication for the Barber National Institute, highlights the unique nature of the event that takes place at Presque Isle State Park and features a 10-mile extreme obstacle course as well as a separate one-mile course for participants with intellectual disabilities. The two courses meet up for one final obstacle at Waldameer Park & Water World before all participants cross the same finish line.
“The Barber Beast on the Bay has evolved into one of the most impactful events that we support annually,” said Mark Jeanneret, executive director of the Erie Sports Commission. “We are extremely fortunate to have a team of talented individuals at the Institute who work together to execute an event that stretches light years beyond our mission. Not only does the Beast consistently attract participants from across the country, but it also embraces its mission to provide an opportunity for everyone to overcome whatever obstacle they may be facing.”
The digital edition of the magazine can be read here: https://digital.sportsdestinations.com/publication/?i=812318
The annual event, which celebrated its 10th anniversary in 2023, was also selected as a Readers’ Choice Award winner for All-star Destination Partner and Best Long-term Partnership between Planner & Destination (Erie Sports Commission) by SportsEvents Magazine, a national publication that helps planners of amateur sporting events and competitions be more effective, informed and successful with their events.
“We have been extremely fortunate to work with so many talented local event organizers over the years and value the partnerships that have been developed,” Jeanneret said. “We are honored to be associated with the event and to have played a very small role in the success of the event.”
