The Beast of the East 100 returns to Kings Mountain, North Carolina on December 12th, challenging runners with a grueling test of endurance through Crowders Mountain State Park's rugged trails. This event is not just any race; it’s an ultra-distance affair that pushes participants to their limits over multiple distances including the daunting 160.9K course and the more moderate but still demanding half marathon option. On race morning, runners will gather at Camp Rotary Road near Crowders Mountain State Park for a dawn start under the starlight before sunrise. The park’s trails offer varied terrain with steep ascents, technical sections through boulder fields, and serene stretches by lakeside views, all testing both physical stamina and mental fortitude as temperatures hover around 5°C. Conditions on the ground are firm yet slightly soft, providing traction but also a challenge for long-distance runners. Since its inception, The Beast of the East 100 has become an integral part of North Carolina’s ultra-running calendar, attracting hundreds of participants each year. Over time, it has grown beyond just a race into a community tradition and symbol of resilience. Runners from across the country travel to Kings Mountain to take on Crowders Mountain's trails and face their personal limits head-on in support of local conservation efforts. The course for The Beast of the East 100 winds through Crowders Mountain State Park, featuring rocky terrain, steep ascents, and scenic overlooks. Participants start at Camp Rotary Road and follow a meticulously mapped route that leads them up Tower Trail to Rocktop Trail, eventually circling back via Pinnacle Trail and Ridgeline Trail, with aid stations strategically placed along the way for hydration and support. Weather conditions on race day are expected to be chilly but clear, with temperatures ranging between 0°C and 10°C. The UV index will be low at 2.0, making it less likely for sunburns despite early morning daylight hours. Precipitation risk is minimal, allowing runners to focus on the challenge of distance rather than dealing with rain or snow. The Beast of the East 100 offers a variety of challenging distances including the full 160.9K ultra course and shorter options like the half marathon for those looking to test their limits over more manageable distances.
To register, visit https://ultrasignup.com/register.aspx?did=133648 where you can find information on all available distances along with detailed registration fees: $300.00 for 160.9K, $200.00 for the 100K option, and lower rates for shorter courses such as the half marathon at $100.00. Bib pickup will be held on race morning from 5am to 7am near Camp Rotary Road where participants can collect their gear. Bib collection requires a valid photo ID; minors must provide proof of age or have parental consent noted in registration details. The start line is located at the intersection of Camp Rotary Rd and Crowders Mountain State Park’s main trailhead, accessible by car from Kings Mountain's city center. Age requirements vary based on distance but generally cater to adults seeking a significant endurance challenge. The Beast of the East 100 returns to Kings Mountain, North Carolina in December, offering runners an unparalleled test of grit and determination through Crowders Mountain State Park’s trails. For those who embrace this battle against themselves, the journey across multiple peaks and valleys is more than just a race—it's a celebration of human resilience under challenging conditions.
Races Offered
100 Miler
Dec 12, 2026
straighten
Distance —
160.9K
terrain
Type —
Running
timer
08:00
sell
$300.00
100K
Dec 12, 2026
straighten
Distance —
100K
terrain
Type —
Running
timer
08:10
sell
$200.00
50 Miler
Dec 12, 2026
straighten
Distance —
80.5K
terrain
Type —
Running
timer
08:10
sell
$175.00
Half Marathon
Dec 12, 2026
straighten
Distance —
21.1K
terrain
Type —
Running
timer
08:20
sell
$100.00
Marathon
Dec 12, 2026
straighten
Distance —
42.2K
terrain
Type —
Running
timer
08:20
sell
$150.00
Weather History
These values represent the 3-year monthly averages for December in Kings Mountain.
thermostatTemperature
2.2° / 11.8°
wb_sunnyFeels like
-1.8° / 8.4°
light_mode
Avg sunshine hours
6h 43m
water_drop
Avg rainfall
3.0 mm
ac_unit
Avg snowfall
—
air
Avg wind speed
10.5 km/h (Light breeze)
opacity
Sweat loss rate
Low
terrain
Course conditions
Firm and slightly soft
sunny
Max UV Index
Low (2.0)
humidity_mid
Humidity
69.9%
wb_twilight
Sunrise
08:26
nightlight
Sunset
18:15
About Kings Mountain
Learn more about the host city, Kings Mountain.
Kings Mountain is a small suburban city within the Charlotte metropolitan area in Cleveland and Gaston counties, North Carolina, United States. Most of the city is in Cleveland County, with a small eastern portion in Gaston County. As of the 2020 census, Kings Mountain had a population of 11,142.
