Can You Beat the Beast?

R. Frank Media

This year's 12th annual Barber Beast on the Bay ninja-warrior style competition, 11-time winner of Best of Erie's Best Athletic Competition, will mark their last as they reimagine their annual fundraiser to better suit the mission of the organization.

The Barber National Institute (BNI) is an organization dedicated to making dreams come true. Founded in 1952 by the late Dr. Gertrude Barber, BNI has celebrated over 70 years of providing educational services, day programs, housing opportunities, and hope to adults and children with autism, behavioral challenges, and developmental and intellectual disabilities across Pennsylvania.

On Saturday, Sept. 6, BNI will be hosting their 12th and final Barber Beast on the Bay fundraiser. This rigorous obstacle course stretches across 10 miles of Erie's beloved Presque Isle State Park. Described as "no walk in the park," this course includes over 30 obstacles meant to test one's strength, endurance, cooperation, and mental prowess – all while supporting a fundraiser meant to help others overcome their own challenges daily.

In addition to BNI's overarching mission, the company values respect for all people, integrity, quality and excellence, teamwork, and compassion. While traversing the Barber Beast on the Bay, these same values can be exercised by competitors and onlookers alike.

Since its first year, the Beast has transformed into a Herculean experience, drawing newcomers and veteran generations of families and friends. It has received several accolades, including All-Star Destination Partner in SportsEvents Magazine, 11 Best of Erie Awards for Best Athletic Competition, and also received national recognition as USA Today's Best Pennsylvania Attraction.

With an expected 1,300 participants this year alone, the Beast Builders, an important team behind the scenes dedicated to ensuring the course is engineered properly and meets safety regulations, have combined many crowd favorites with new obstacles to bring this course to a close. Director of Strategic Communications Tammy Roche commented, "Without their hard work, creativity, and technical skills, it would not be possible."

The Beast requires one to run (or walk), jump, climb, and crawl across 10 miles of beach trails, swamplands, waterways, and more. Some of these obstacles include Armageddon, the 40-foot Wall, Jailbreak, and the Tail of the Beast, all challenges meant to test one's upper body strength.

Many challenges testing balance (Walk the Plank, Stairway to Heaven, Pallet Peril), speed (Quarter Pipe, Heartbreak Hill), strategy (Roadkill, Teeter Totter), and dexterity (Charlotte's Revenge) have also been included in this year's listing.

From mud to maze to monkey bars to moving water, whether you're an experienced competitor or a newcomer, the course offers something for everyone.

For those thinking of joining the challenge, Roche offered some sound advice to first-timers: "One of the comments we receive the most at the finish line is how difficult it is to run in the sand. I'd recommend practicing running and walking on the sand now in whatever shoes you plan to wear."

The Barber Beast on the Bay's goal is to help people of all abilities overcome whatever personal challenges they face. Whether it's recovery from an illness, in memory of someone who passed, or even just an opportunity to set a personal best for yourself, the event is there to share those special moments with you.  "One of the most rewarding experiences to witness," Roche shares, "is to see the sheer joy on their faces as they cross the finish line – the tears, the yelling – it's very full of uplifting moments."

As a companion to the Beast, a 1-mile adapted course will be available to those aged 12 and up with physical or intellectual disabilities at Waldameer Park and Water World. Accommodations have been made to fit specific needs and the obstacles can be completed whether the participant is ambulatory, using a walker, or in a wheelchair.

In its current state, the adapted course takes place over the paved roads of Waldameer Park and offers 15 optional obstacles that require pulling, carrying, and navigating ramps. "Course buddies," or able-bodied volunteers, will be made available to assist those who require them.

Together, the 10-mile and 1-mile courses will converge at Water World's wave pool for an epic conclusion to the day's trials.

There, prizes will be handed out and spread over a series of categories similar to the registration options or "waves" given to all incoming participants: awards dedicated to the Elite Wave, Timed Wave, Non-Timed Wave, Teams, and Top Fundraisers. Prizes will also be administered to those placing first, second, and third.

After completing the obstacle course, participants and guests alike are welcome to join a parking lot party featuring live music, food trucks, ice-cold refreshments, photo walls, and merchandise trucks.

BNI's senior vice president Robert Barber said: "Over the years, more than 13,000 people have participated and raised over $830,000 for Barber National Institute. We are proud of what Barber Beast on the Bay has accomplished and have made the thoughtful decision to conclude the event at its peak. We are so grateful to the participants, volunteers, sponsors and community partners, especially our obstacle builders."

The Barber Beast on the Bay 2025 will mark the end of an era, allowing focus to shift to the 1-mile Adapted Course instead. Organizers have expressed that new information regarding the "reimagined" course will be coming at a later date. "We wanted to go out on a high note," Roche said. "This will be more in line with what our company has set out to do."

Barber echoed this sentiment: "While the Beast on the Bay is coming to an end, our commitment to supporting individuals with disabilities is unwavering. We will continue to channel our resources into innovative programs and services that create opportunities and transform lives. We encourage our community to stay involved at Barber National Institute in other meaningful ways – through volunteering, giving, or advocating for inclusion."

For more information, registration, cost, and info visit: barberbeast.org

Cassandra Gripp is a freelance writer and editor always up for the challenge. She can be reached at cassie.gripp@gmail.com.