Christi O’Connor has participated in six marathons, including the Boston Marathon two weeks ago.
But she’s never tackled anything quite like the Beast.
The 27-year-old Whitefish resident is among the nearly 7,000 people braving this weekend’s Spartan obstacle course races in Bigfork.
Since the inaugural event two years ago, the Montana Spartan Race has grown into a grueling yet thrilling fixture that attracts thousands of competitors from across North America.
Situated in a rugged section of scenery near the north shore of Flathead Lake, the event is so popular with both racers and organizers that it has expanded into two days of adrenaline-filled action. It has also attracted the attention of NBC Sports, which will be filming the elite men’s and women’s races on Sunday as part of its television series to be aired later this summer.
For the first time, on Saturday, the hardiest of souls will tackle the Beast, which is the most punishing type of Spartan Race in the company’s trifecta of courses. The Beast will feature over 12 miles of harsh terrain and more than 30 challenging obstacles, including mud bogs, uphill climbs and other creative tests of endurance and agility.
As the race directors have said, anything is fair game in the Beast.
Competitors will race the course either as an individual or with a team. For O’Connor, the chance to participate with friends offered a unique experience unlike any other outdoor adventure.
“I’m excited for something different,” she said.
There are over 2,800 competitors registered for the Beast, which starts at 7:30 a.m. with waves of 250 athletes unleashed every 15 minutes. Racers in the elite division will start off the day chasing muddy glory and cash prizes. The average finish time in other Beast races is over five hours and the best time is three hours.
“We will have some of the best athletes in the world participating in this year’s event,” said Rob Brisendine, a local event organizer who worked alongside the Spartan Race and Kalispell Convention and Visitor Bureau.
An estimated 92-95 percent of the Beast competitors will be from out of market, which means further than 100 miles away, Brisendine said.
On Sunday, competitors will attack the Sprint, which is in its third year. The Sprint features nearly 5 miles of terrain and 20-23 obstacles. The average finish time is 80 minutes and the fastest mark is 35 minutes.
Nearly 4,000 racers are registered for Sunday’s event, meaning the Flathead Valley is once again poised to benefit greatly from the economic surge of visitors. Last year over 80 percent of participants were from out of market.
“A number of hotels have said they’re already full,” Diane Medler, director of the Kalispell Convention and Visitor Bureau, said. “They’re going to fill (hotel) rooms in Bigfork all the way to Whitefish.”
Parking is limited and carpooling is encouraged. A free shuttle bus service will be offered for racers and spectators at the intersection of Montana Highway 35 and Highway 82, near Pick’s Bowling. Parking on site costs $10 for vehicles and $20 for vans, cash only.
Spectators are encouraged but will be charged $20 before Friday and $25 on site, cash only. To purchase a ticket, visit Spartan.com.
On Friday night, Spartan staff will lead a Hurricane Heat, which will last three to four hours. It will send participants along the course in teams. The event will not be timed but it will give racers a unique chance to run with staff and others. Headlamps and glow sticks are required. The event begins at 6 p.m.
“It’s going to be a big weekend,” Brisendine said.
Volunteers are still needed for this weekend’s races. To register, visit Spartan.com or call the KCVB at 758-2809.