Virginia Beach, VA — The BEAST is back! One of America's original adventure races will take place April 10-16, 2001, starting from Claytor Lake State Park, in scenic Pulaski County, Virginia. Soloists, two-person and four-person teams will traverse over 350 miles in the PRO class or 250 miles in the new Sport class, during this five-day, non-stop expedition adventure race. Competitors will be treated to an exciting whitewater swim on the New River, whitewater and flat-water canoeing, a magnificent climb and rappel, and miles upon miles of biking and trekking on rugged trails and historic Civil War roads.

"We are especially excited to introduce whitewater swimming to US racers, and also to provide a new Sport class to accommodate athletes with differing experience levels," said Don Mann, founder and president of Odyssey Adventure Racing.

The BEAST of the EAST was Odyssey's first foray into the sports promotion business, and the company has since produced more multisport events than any other organization in the country. This will be the third running of the popular five-day race. Race Directors Don Mann and Joy Marr were approached by many competitors asking for the BEAST to return to Virginia, and they're all too happy to comply by bringing their infamous brand of extreme challenges back to the adventure racing community.

The BEAST course takes racers up and over some of the highest peaks in Virginia, providing an elevation gain and loss of over 60,000 feet, adding credence to Odysseys motto, "Your pain is our pleasure."

Racers will register and complete gear checks on April 10, 2001, and then start the race at midnight. From that time until they cross the finish line several days later, teams and soloists will navigate using map and compass through mandatory checkpoints along the course. Support crews will assist racers at various transition points, providing gear, food and bikes. In 1999, Robert Nagle and Isaac Wilson finished in only three days, but we anticipate most teams will finish in four to five days this year. The new Sport class will allow for soloists and teams, who might not be able to complete the 350-mile course, to take a modified route and still finish officially within the five days.

Athletes are encouraged to sign up before February 15, 2001, to take advantage of the 10% early-bird special. Odyssey is also offering a Competitor Sponsor Program in which companies that sponsor teams competing in any of Odyssey's events will receive partnership benefits in the form of web site links, on-site placement and media exposure.

Visit www.oarevents.com for more information on the BEAST of the EAST and all of Odyssey's events including other adventure races, the Odyssey Adventure Racing Academy, extreme triathlons and duathlons and ultra-distance triathlons, as well as single and multi-day SEAL events. You can also find more information on the Competitor Sponsor Program on the web site or by writing oarinfo@aol.com, or call (757)425-2445.