New York · Lockport

Beast of Burden Summer

Founded in 2010, Beast of Burden Summer runs four 25-mile loops on the Erie Canal towpath north of Lockport, New York — groomed crushed cinder, flat and fast, roughly 500 feet of total gain. The race is named for the mule teams that historically pulled canal barges along this route. Runners cross a historic drawbridge and can be held mid-race for canal boat traffic. Completing both the winter and summer 100-mile editions in one calendar year earns a Double Beast Buckle. Entry requires a prior 50-miler; the cutoff is 30 hours.