Eleven years ago, I vividly remember sitting in John Barber’s office, discussing the possibility of a new fundraiser: a 10-mile race on Presque Isle and an adaptive course for persons with disabilities. After the first year on the peninsula, we were able to move our adaptive course and the finish line to Waldameer Park & Water World, thanks to the generosity of the late Paul Nelson and his family. A unique element was the Waldameer wave pool, where runners and adaptive participants joined together for the final obstacle.
Fast forward eleven years, and over 13,000 men and women from more than 25 states have participated in the 10-mile Beast, while 1,000 men and women have run the adaptive course. Four thousand volunteers have built and manned obstacles, water stations, booths, worked as safety aides, and done everything else to ensure the success of each participant.
This will be Ryan’s 9th Beast. He ran the adaptive course for two years and then said “That’s too easy. I want to Beat the Beast! “And he has for the past 8 years. Drs. Kate and Brian Stark have run with him for the past few years. Yes, they are smiling after the 10 miles and 30 obstacles!
The final Beast on the Bay 10-mile course will be held on September 6, 2025. We plan to continue the adaptive course and will begin planning for 2026 now. No more should’ve, could’ve, would’ve. This will be your last chance to Beat the Beast! Register today at https://www.barberbeast.org/.
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