Frequently Asked Questions

Registration cost structure for the 10-mile course:

Anyone can also receive a free registration by signing up to fundraise for the Barber National Institute.

Online registration will close on Tuesday, September 3rd, 2019 at midnight. Participants can still register by cash or credit card on the morning of the event at Waldameer beginning at 6:00 a.m.

An additional charge of $10 for timing or $15 for elite wave will be added to registration base cost.

The minimum age to participate is 16 years old by the day of the event. Participants ages 16 & 17 can participate with signed permission from parent/guardian.

You will select a wave time when you register.  To review this choice, login to your Active.com account.

The Elite wave kicks off the Beast at 8:30 a.m. for competitive OCR addicts and extreme athletes.  Additional timed waves are at 8:45 a.m., 9:00 a.m. and 9:15 a.m.  Non-timed waves begin at 9:30 a.m., launching every fifteen minutes until 11:30 a.m.  When registering, you may choose which category, Elite, Timed or Non-Timed, and your specific wave time.  Team captains coordinate with team members to choose the team start time. 

We cannot offer refunds under any circumstances. If a registrant cannot participate, their fee is considered a charitable donation to the Barber Foundation. 

Or, participants can transfer their registration to another participant until 8/31/20. There will be absolutely NO registration transfers after 8/31/20. All transfers must take place as outlined by Active on the following link: https://support.activenetwork.com/endurance/articles/en_US/Product_Library/Participants-Transfer-Registration-to-Someone-Else1

Active.com will charge the new participant the current registration cost (discount codes can be applied).  Active will refund the original participant’s card for the cost the original participant paid. The original participant should receive their refund 5 to 7 business days after the new participant completes the transfer process.

Packet Pick-Up will be available at the Barber National Institute Wednesday and Thursday, Sept. 9 & 10, from 4 – 7 p.m. in the north lobby. Please look for directional signs off of East Bay Drive.

In addition, you can pick up your packet on Saturday, Sept. 12 beginning at 6:30 a.m. at the registration table at Waldameer.

Please bring photo identification with you to Packet Pick-Up. If you are picking up packets for anyone else, you must have a copy of their photo ID and their waiver must already be signed.

Participants who registered to be timed will receive a timing chip in their packet. Please bring this chip with you to the start line at the event and securely tie it to your shoe. Lost or forgotten chips cannot be replaced on event day. Our new chips are rugged so they can handle the rough conditions. Volunteers will be at the finish to collect chips. Please make sure to return your chip after finishing.

Registrations will be accepted at Packet Pick-Up with cash or credit card and photo ID.

Yes! Some participants prefer a more leisurely activity and walk the entire course, skipping all or most of the obstacles.  We still celebrate their crossing the finish line with a medal and plenty of cheering!

No. To help ensure accuracy, all registrations for the 10-mile obstacle course must be completed through our online application process. Participants in the Adapted Course do have the option of downloading a printed registration for and waiver or requesting a paper registration in the mail by contacting us at BarberBeast@Barberinstitute.org or calling 814-480-6810.

Yes! Gather up your friends and family in the trusty van to cheer you and the team on!  It is free to come, park, take the shuttle, and party! We offer a shuttle for participants and spectators down and back from Waldameer to Beach 11 with many stops along the way.  If your cheer squad wants an opportunity to earn money for their hard earned signs and well-rehearsed chants, look into getting them involved as a Cheer Zone.

Round up the crew to beat the Beast as a team!  During registration, you can either start a team or join one.  Contact the gang to get it together.  You can register at separate times or all at once and get it all set.  You pick!

Yes, you may skip any obstacle and continue with the course.

However, all participants in the Elite Wave must complete all of the course obstacles. Multiple attempts can be made, but they should not interfere with those making a first attempt. Elite participants will be given a :30 penalty for each obstacle not completed, which volunteers will report before awards.

You will get wet, but all water obstacles will be in shallow water. You always have the option of skipping any obstacle that involves water if you are not comfortable completing it.

YES! You can get a free registration by signing up to fundraise. Just choose Fundraiser $500 when you register, and you will receive all of the tools needed to let your friends, neighbors and family know that you are Beating the Beast and raising money to help children and adults with disabilities. 

The day of the event we honor our Beast Fundraisers with a special ceremony at the finish line at noon and huge prizes to the top three fundraisers.  Prizes in the past include a GoPro4, kayak and carrying rack, Amazon Fire, Amazon Echo, etc. Learn More about fundraising for the Barber Beast on the Bay!

Please email us (BarberBeast@Barberinstitute.org) and we will get back to you within two business days (probably sooner!) If this is an urgent matter, call our Beast Hotline at 814-480-6810!

We know that some participants just want to finish, and some want to be timed.  So, during registration, you will have the option of signing up to be timed for a nominal fee. To reduce the likelihood of timing being affected by waits at obstacles, all participants who choose to be timed will participate in the second, third or fourth wave.

The Elite wave takes the Beast to the next level, offering timing and a chance to win first place for male and female.  The first wave (8:30 a.m.) is set aside for those who register for the Elite Wave. Those in the Elite Wave will be timed, and must complete all obstacles to be eligible for awards. When registering, select the option for the elite wave (a nominal fee is charged).

We do recommend a pair of shoes you are comfortable with. Keep in mind you will be running in sand, water, and mud, meaning you'll need a shoe that's durable and supportive.

For more, please read this helpful Blog Post!

Both participants and spectators are welcome to park at Waldameer’s Water World parking lot off of Peninsula Drive.  Parking is also available across Peninsula Drive in the Waldameer overflow lot and the Tom Ridge Environmental Center.  Please do not leave valuables in your car.  

Parking is always free!  What’s better than that?  How about a free shuttle to the start line?!  We encourage all participants to park at Waldameer, check in, utilize the bag drop (there is no place to store your goods at the start), and shuttle out with the crew to the start.  The shuttle offers multiple stops on the way there and back for spectators to stop at various obstacles along the course to cheer.

The “E” is providing free shuttles to transport participants from Waldameer to the starting line at Beach 10. Shuttles will begin running at 7:15 a.m. for participants only. Please plan to board your shuttle at Waldameer approximately one hour before your scheduled wave time. The final shuttle will depart at approximately 10:30 a.m. Everyone must check in at Waldameer first before using the shuttle.
Beginning at 11 a.m., the “E” will run shuttles throughout the course to be used by participants and spectators. Look for designated stops and pick-up spots that are marked with “E” shuttle signs on the map.

Each wave has a limited amount of space and once a wave is full it is sold out.  If you would like to inquire about switching your wave time please email us at barberbeast@barberinstitute.org

We recommend you arrive 60—90 minutes before your scheduled wave time.  You will need to park at Waldameer, check-in and make your way to the start line via the free shuttle.  Allow time for traffic, detours and other set-backs that may occur on event day.

A valid ID, a towel, a change of clothes and cash or credit card if you would like to purchase food or merchandise. You will have access to a secure Bag Drop at Waldameer where both the Check In and Finish Line are located.

Please note: There will not be an area or person at the start line to secure your valuables.

There are bathrooms available to change in at Waldameer.  They are located just past Bag Drop. 

We do offer complimentary Bag Check at the Barber Beast on the Bay.  You will receive a bag ticket in your race packet. Visit the Beast Bag Check to store your belongings.  One bag per person, no coolers please.