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The Beast is slowly drawing to a close, but many teams still toil day and night. It's day four, and still no teams have dropped out from the race, an amazing statistic considering the severity of the course.

The middle and back of the pack moved well today, in some cases hurrying through checkpoints, concerned about tomorrow's 4pm race cutoff time. The sun is out, everybody is in good spirits and it looks like nearly all the competitors will finish the course. Forecast for tomorrow: sunny — a great finish to The Beast of the East.

"She got out, stripped to her skivvies and attempted to warm herself on the road, apparently employing the technique used by rattlesnakes..."

This morning, at Comer's Rock (CP 15), three trail support crews prepared for their teams: Team Turd, Team Spagnoli Physical Therapy and solo competitor Janeen Steffen.

Team Turd arrived first, catching their support crew slightly off guard at 9:54am, ripping in on their bikes, hopping off and sounding very determined indeed. Terry Hurd said, "we've got to hurry here. I want to make that cut-off. We'll run this section." However, Randy, after looking at his bacon-wrapped filet mignon and scrambled eggs, said, "I won't be running for an hour or so."

Terry took on some fluids and the two checked gear, ready to roll in a pretty quick transition. They looked to have the best menu thus far.

Team Spagnoli Physical Therapy made it to the bottom of the last Comer's Rock climb about an hour later. The three (Robert and Peter Spagnoli and Robert Dayton) traveled together. It's going to be close, but they may make it. Still ahead for them a 15hr slog, river crossing, rope assisted climb, bike and paddle remain. They are physical therapists with a tremendous attitude and are very happy to be still plodding along.

Lots of action down the road at ACP6, the Shotower. Team Del Mar arrived around 1pm, looking strong and very intent on hammering the cycling leg and paddling hard, hoping to make the finish before dark. Admiral Ray Smith looked good. His feet were cared for by his support crew, and the rest of the team was power fed. Dirk McFarland's father, Bryson McFarland, said of his son, "I'm really proud of him, of all of them. They are working well as a team." Del Mar teammate Greg Martin said, "it's the best experience in the world, and the worst experience in the world."

Team Sugoi — Dave Bauer, Captain, and Jack Walston — pulled in next. They were met by a throng, a two member support crew, plus wives Shelly Bauer and Terry Watson, plus a pile of moms and kids. As the team fueled for the bike ride and final paddle, kids fed dads Wheat Thins and pulled off their socks. Said Dave Bauer, "my feet are beat up. That's a pretty long walk. We'd run for five minutes, then walk for five, repeat. It's a recipe for pain." Asked about the final paddle, Bauer said, "I'm looking forward to it; it's the only thing I'm good at."

Solo Chris Scott stepped gingerly into the CP, getting assistance from his mother on the way from the passport signing to their support VW Vanagon. His mom prepared his things while he had his feet cared for by Dr. George Wortley. Scott talked about his experience. "I'm a biker, so the long trek is tough. I've been 19 hours with no sleep and my feet are killing me. As a cyclist, being on my feet this long is not the right game." Scott is expected to cross the finish this evening by 8pm.

Foot problems, poison ivy and hallucinations continue to be the most prevalent medical problems. Dr. Wortley, who is providing medical attention for competitors during the race, said, "The conditions are a little milder than last year. We've gone through one-tenth the IV fluids this year, which is good for everyone."

The finish is bustling as teams begin to paddle in with more consistency. Between 6:30 and 8:00pm tonight, the following teams are expected to show up: Del Mar, Sugoi, Chris Scott , Nor'easter, Trident and Powerade.

On a bizarre note, Janeen Steffen, currently the last competitor on the course, was reported to have fallen into Racoon Branch Creek at 4am. She got out, stripped to her skivvies and attempted to warm herself on the road, apparently employing the technique used by rattlesnakes. The County Sheriff discovered her there, and she was unable to convince him that she was indeed participating in a race. He took her down to lock up where she spent the evening. She was released on her own recognizance at 7am. She continues on, having traded out her issue orange suit for her fleece and Lycra.  

— Buddy Levy, Reporting from Beast of the East

BEAST DISPATCHES