Beast Musseled Back to November

News Release / 18.06.2004

The Cumberland Plateau is one of the largest, temperate hardwood plateau systems in the world and is home to the highest concentration of endangered species on the American continent. These include several species of endangered mussels, which call part of the New Balance BEAST of the East course home. Due to unexpectedly low water levels, Odyssey was directed by naturalists in the Big South Fork River and Recreation Area to reschedule the BEAST from July to later in the year when water levels are expected to be higher and impact from the race less invasive.

The race, which is presented by Blue Ridge Mountain Sports (www.brms.com), is now scheduled for November 15th – 20th. Registration and gear checks will take place on the late afternoon of Monday, Nov. 15th, with the race starting in the early morning on Tuesday, Nov. 16th. The race officially ends at 6:00 am on Saturday, Nov. 13th and an awards banquet will be held at noon that day.

The 275 to 300 mile course will take soloists and teams of 2 or 4 along rugged rocky bluffs, deep gorges and wooded plateaus, as they hike and bike along hilly single track and backcountry mountain roads. Athletes’ fixed ropes skills will be tested at some of the area\'s fascinating sandstone formations which include cliffs, rock shelters, arches and pillars. During the 4-day race, competitors will also paddle Class II - III rapids. In addition to these disciplines, athletes will navigate their way between mandatory checkpoints along the course, and compete in challenging orienteering tests.

“We’re so excited about the variety of scenery, interesting geological features, challenging navigation and some of the most rugged terrain in the East,” said race director Don Mann, commenting on the course Odyssey’s Joy Marr has designed. “Those who are familiar with the 100-mile Barkley Marathon won’t be surprised to find some storied sections in the BEAST,” he hinted, referring to what is widely known as the hardest and most elusive running race in the world (each of the 20-mile loops of the Barkley has \"10,000\" feet of elevation gain and 10,000 feet of elevation loss, and only 4 people have ever finished it.) The Cumberland Plateau enjoys mild autumns and winters due to weather systems stemming from the Gulf of Mexico, so it should be perfect AR weather!