About This Race
Dusk & Dawn Of The Beast offers runners a unique twist on Louisiana trail running, taking place on The Beast Trail near St. Francisville. The race features an innovative dual-direction format where dusk races run the course backwards while dawn races follow the traditional forward route, providing runners with completely different perspectives of the same challenging terrain. Located on one of Louisiana's most scenic and demanding trails, this event serves as the opening race of the WHOA Trail Series. The course showcases the natural beauty of Louisiana's landscape while delivering technical challenges that test runners' skills on varied terrain. The race emphasizes community and outdoor experience, offering free camping and campfires to create a festival atmosphere around the running experience. The Beast Trail's reputation for difficulty makes this race suitable for runners seeking a genuine challenge in Louisiana's trail running scene. The backwards/forwards course design adds a strategic element that keeps even familiar runners engaged.
The Beast Trail winds through some of Louisiana's most challenging and picturesque terrain near St. Francisville. Known locally as one of the prettiest and most demanding trails in the state, the course tests runners with varied technical sections and elevation changes throughout the route.
The unique dual-direction format means dusk participants experience the trail in reverse, encountering familiar obstacles and climbs from unexpected angles, while dawn runners tackle the traditional forward direction. This design creates distinctly different racing experiences despite using the same trail system.
Race History
2019 Results
Practical Info
Early February in Louisiana typically features mild temperatures with potential for cool mornings and variable conditions.
Free camping is provided at the race venue with campfires permitted.
Best For
Notable Features
The race's distinctive backwards/forwards format creates two completely different experiences on the same challenging Louisiana trail. Free camping and campfires foster a strong community atmosphere, while serving as the opening event of the WHOA Trail Series adds competitive significance for series participants.