ERIE CANAL TOWPATH - LOCKPORT. NY
Beast of Burden Summer Ultramarathon
Take on the Beast of Burden Summer Ultramarathon along the historic Erie Canal Towpath in Lockport, New York. Choose a 25-, 50- or 100-mile distance and discover a course where steady pacing, thoughtful preparation and determination matter more than mountain climbs.
Explore the distances below, review our race-day resources and contact the team for registration information.
About the Summer Beast of Burden
The Beast of Burden Summer race brings endurance runners to the Erie Canal corridor in Western New York. Its approximately 25-mile out-and-back route travels from Lockport toward Middleport, with longer-distance runners repeating the course to complete 50 or 100 miles.
The route is predominantly flat, with paved and crushed-cinder surfaces. That does not make it easy: long stretches at a consistent effort, changing summer weather and hours of fueling decisions add up. Each distance rewards preparation and a realistic race plan.
The Summer Beast sits alongside other events in the One Average Runner race series. For more on the people behind the website, meet founder Tim Hardy and the team.
Registration typically sells out early. Secure your spot before it does.
Meet One Average Runner Founder Tim Hardy
One Average Runner identifies Tim Hardy as its Founder & Owner and says the organization began in 2015. The About page describes his involvement in endurance events and the team that supports race operations. Putting a real name and a direct route to the people behind the website helps runners judge who is providing the information.
Learn more about Tim Hardy and the One Average Runner team, or contact One Average Runner with a question about a race or registration.
CHOOSE YOUR CHALLENGE
RACE DISTANCES
Three options share the Erie Canal setting. Choose a distance based on your experience, preparation and the current event rules.
100-Mile Beast of Burden Summer Race
Four approximately 25-mile rounds demand patience and consistency. Familiar stretches of towpath can make navigation feel simpler, but managing energy, hydration and sleep-related fatigue over an extended effort is a serious undertaking. This distance is suited to experienced ultrarunners with a well-tested training and fueling plan.
50-Mile Beast of Burden Summer Race
Two rounds of the out-and-back course make this a sustained ultramarathon challenge. Runners should plan for a conservative start, steady fueling and the possibility of changing conditions as the day goes on. Preparation on similar terrain is useful.
25-Mile Beast of Burden Summer Race
One round offers a demanding long-distance run through the Erie Canal corridor. The distance is shorter than a standard 26.2-mile marathon, so it should not be described as an ultramarathon in isolation; it is an option within the wider Summer Beast event.
Beast of Burden Summer Course and Location
The course starts near Wide Water’s Marina in Lockport, New York, and follows the Erie Canal Towpath toward Middleport before returning. Historic event descriptions identify paved trail near the start and substantial crushed-cinder towpath sections.
With an approximately 25-mile out-and-back format, the 50-mile race covers two rounds and the 100-mile race covers four. The repeating route gives runners familiar landmarks but also makes pacing discipline important.
For course maps, packing guidance and race instructions, browse Race Resources. Confirm the current edition’s route and turnaround before traveling.
What Makes the Summer Beast Different?
The Summer Beast swaps major mountain climbs for a different test: sustained movement over relatively level ground. Runners can build a rhythm on the towpath, while the longer distances challenge their ability to manage the same surfaces and landmarks as fatigue grows.
The historic Erie Canal setting also gives the race a strong sense of place. It is a recognizable Western New York course, not an anonymous collection of miles.
FUEL UP
AID STATIONS AND RACE SUPPORT
Previous Beast of Burden race descriptions feature staffed aid stations and food support along the course. Past listed supplies have included water, sports drinks, warm drinks, gels, broth and substantial snack options. Exact menus and availability can change by edition.
On-Course Fuel
Practice a nutrition plan in training and bring any products you depend on. Treat published historical menus as examples, not guarantees for the upcoming event.
Real Food
Past editions have mentioned foods such as grilled cheese, pizza, pancakes, and other snacks. Confirm current offerings before building a race-day fueling strategy around them.
Start and Finish Area
Wide Water’s Marina has appeared in historic event guidance as the start/finish area. Check the latest race instructions for present-day parking, check-in, restroom, shower and crew arrangements.
See the race resources page for available guides; ask the team directly if a current official guide is unavailable.
THE DOUBLE BEAST BUCKLE
The Beast of Burden has historically promoted a Double Beast challenge recognizing runners who complete its Winter 100-mile and Summer 100-mile races in the same calendar year. The contrast between winter conditions and a summer endurance effort makes it an ambitious goal.
Explore the Beast of Burden Winter information on the Race Series page and confirm current buckle eligibility with the event team.
How to Prepare for the Summer Beast
Choose a Sustainable Pace
The flatter route may encourage runners to start too fast. Use training to identify a manageable pace and practice planned walk breaks when appropriate.
Train for the Conditions
Prepare for potential summer heat, humidity and rain; include similar running surfaces when possible and adapt race-day expectations to the forecast.
Practice Fueling and Hydration
Learn what works for you during longer sessions. Avoid relying entirely on unfamiliar food or aid-station products.
Review Logistics Before the Start
Confirm equipment, cutoffs, crew arrangements, safety guidance and route updates through Race Resources and Registration Info. Runners building an endurance foundation may also find the published marathon training tips useful.
REGISTRATION
Beast of Burden Summer Registration and Fees
Interested in running the Summer Beast? Before choosing a distance, confirm the date of the current edition, start times, availability, fees, eligibility, cutoff limits, refund policies, and other event rules. These details can change from year to year.
For the latest information, contact One Average Runner about registration. You can also compare events on the Race Series overview.
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50 Mile
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25 Mile
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Frequently Asked Questions
The event has historically started near Wide Water’s Marina in Lockport, New York, and followed the Erie Canal Towpath toward Middleport.
The Summer Beast has traditionally offered 25-mile, 50-mile and 100-mile races on an approximately 25-mile out-and-back route.
The route is predominantly flat, with paved and crushed-cinder surfaces. Distance and weather still require careful preparation.
No. A standard marathon is about 26.2 miles, so 25 miles is shorter. It is a separate distance within an event that also features ultramarathons.
One Average Runner identifies Tim Hardy as its Founder & Owner. The About Us page introduces the team and the organization’s background.
The Race Resources page gathers available race-day guides and checklists. Confirm that any downloadable guide is current.
For more information about the organization, visit About Us; for a direct answer, contact the team.
Contact the One Average Runner Team
A real contact point matters when you are planning a long-distance event. If you need clarification about entry rules, route updates, aid stations or registration, reach out before making travel or training decisions.
Email: tim.hardy@oneaveragerunner.com | Phone: (315) 286-0722 | Contact Us
These contact details are displayed on the live One Average Runner website. Confirm that they remain active before publication.
