
Beast of Burden is a trail running, duathlon, mountain bike, and running race on October 31 – November 1, 2026 in Fayetteville, AR, with entry fees from $60 to $75.
From the Organizer
Ozark Off-Road Cyclist and the Ozark Trail Runners unite to create the most epic 24 25 hour party you’ve ever experienced. Profits from this “race” will go to continued preservation and trail development on Mt. Kessler. Join us on November 2nd, Mt. Kessler – Fayetteville, Arkansas for a full day of partying in the dirt. Individuals or teams will take on the challenge to ride or run from 12pm on Saturday to 12pm on Sunday, thanks to daylight savings time, you get an extra hour for free!
The “Race” – 24 (+ 1 hour for free) hours of either mtb or trail running madness, or....BOTH! The team/solo individual with the most laps wins.
The Course - The course will be comprised of 2 separate loops, with participants rotating loops every 6 hours. Runners and riders will be on their own separate loops to minimize congestion. Each loop is roughly 4-6 miles long. One loop is easy, one loop will have you dreaming cozy warmth of the campfire.
The Teams* – Teams must have a team captain (primary contact). Teams are either fully bike or fully run, or dual sport and comprised of 2-4 participants on the Ultra team or 5-7 participants on the Endurance team (dual sport teams can have up to 8). You choose how much you want to work. Go for the win, or occasionally exert yourself and spend the rest of the time throwing back Fossil Cove’s tasty beverages. 1 person does 90% of the work or split it evenly. It’s up to you! Each team will receive one timing chip (triathlon style band) that can only be exchanged in the Campout Zone.
Note that run/ride teams will have 2 timing chips, one can only used for running and one only for riding. So, it is possible run/ride teams to have two participants on the course at one time, but only one of each discipline.
*You can also choose to participate solo, but remember, no one asked you to do this.
The Party – Let’s be honest, the whole thing is the party, but since you asked. Dinner and breakfast provided. Trailside Coffee starting at when the bell tolls 12. Bumping tunes. Team Spirit competition. Fire pits burning through the night and more to come. Also, Rise Physical Therapy will keeping participants feeling fresh and limber, while Phat Tire will be keeping them bikes uh' rollin',
Events
Weather
It's too far out for a forecast, so here's what weather on this date is normally like in the area. A race day forecast will replace this as race week approaches.
Typical High
65°
Typical Low
40°
Chance of Rain
32%
Based on US Climate Normals data from Fayetteville Drake Fld, 3 mi from the venue.
Host City
Population
97,227
as of 2023
City Elevation
1,246 ft
Nearest Airport
XNA
Northwest Arkansas National Airport · 16 mi
Major Hub
TUL
Tulsa International Airport · 95 mi
Time Zone
Central Time
From Endurance Grid
A mid-size host city. Enough lodging and amenities to keep race weekend easy, without big-city sprawl.
Race Location
Your Next Start Line
Every finish line starts with a single decision. Claim your spot at Beast of Burden, put it on the calendar, and turn “someday” into a start date.
100
Days to train
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From Endurance Grid
This race spans more than one sport — here’s a guide to each, so you can understand what’s involved and decide if it’s the right fit. For course distances, logistics, and race-day specifics, always defer to the race organizer’s event page.
Running off-road — dirt, singletrack, and mountain paths — from 5Ks to ultras. The terrain makes for an exciting twist and adventure in your running journey.
Run, bike, run. The multi-sport format without the swim. Two disciplines, one race — a great bridge between running and triathlon.
Mountain bike races take place on singletrack trails and natural terrain — dirt, roots, rocks, and forest roads. Mountain biking rewards skill as much as fitness.
From 5K to marathon, running races are an accessible entry point into endurance sport. There's a distance for every fitness level and a community at every start line.
Coming Up
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83 miles away
Grit and Guts Trail Race 2026
83 miles away
KROP - Kaizen Rite of Passage
44 miles away
Trailfest | Fleet Feet Springfield
77 miles away
Plan your trip
Coming from out of town? There's more to Fayetteville than race day. We'll help you line up nearby lodging, flights, a rental car, and things to do so you can make the most of your racecation.
Plan your trip to FayettevilleFrequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Beast of Burden
Oct 31, 2026