Do you have what it takes to Battle the BEAV?

On Sept. 12, 2026, at 10 a.m., Beaver Mountain Ski Resort will host the Battle the BEAV, a mountain race where participants will start at the bottom of the ski resort and run a 4.75-mile race up and around the mountain towards the finish line.  

This event will be race director Amy Smith’s first race as a director, but not the first time she has completed the course.  

A passion for running came after being diagnosed with thyroid cancer as a young mother. She used running as a coping mechanism and has now competed in several half-marathons, one full marathon, and has run the Battle the BEAV course three times.  

“I just loved it so much that I envisioned myself creating my own race one day,” Smith said.  

When she started looking for the right course, Smith wanted obstacles to be included in her race. This was until she decided to have her race at Beaver Mountain, where she realized she would not have to build anything. “The mountain is the obstacle,” Smith said.  

Registration for the race costs $55. The course will feature a sharp incline and an elevation gain of about 1,500 feet, offering a challenge for racers.  

“It’ll test your heart and grit,” Smith said.  

Ward Phelps is the mountain officer for the Utah State University Cycling Club. He helps run the mountain biking side of the team by scheduling races and planning group rides.  He said that the Beaver Mountain trails are steeper than average.  

“I think even super fit runners and cyclists really get pushed by these hills,” Phelps said.  

Smith said that for her race, she wanted families to get out and see how pretty Beaver Mountain is and to appreciate the outdoors.  

Phelps also commented on the beauty of the mountain. “I think it’s really pretty up there, so enjoy the views and enjoy being up there where it’s a little more green,” Phelps said.  

Beaver Mountain trails have a variety of difficulty ratings. Many hikers say that the trails are good for families with many marked as kid-friendly.  

The Battle the BEAV race also offers a kid-friendly option. The Little Beav Run is a separate race for children 12 and under. There is a $10 fee to register. The race will start at 9:30 a.m. and is set on a separate course from the main race. This 0.4-mile course will start at the bottom of Little Beaver Lift and travel up below the Goat Trail and then over to the Beaver Mountain Lodge.  

One of Smith’s goals was to involve local Logan businesses. Multiple businesses are donating prizes that will go in swag bags and a raffle. One local business called The Spirit Goat even made a special soap inspired by the race.  

“I’m big on community and local businesses,” Smith said.  

There are even more surprises throughout the event, including along the trail. The first 10 racers to cross the finish line will receive a special handmade award. The first racer to complete the challenge will receive a Beaver Mountain Season Ski Pass.  

Another way to be involved with this event is through volunteering. Battle the BEAV offers a volunteer option to help with numerous tasks throughout the event.  

Smith said how exciting it has been for her to see people excited about the race. In the future, based on the feedback received from Battle the BEAV, she plans on creating other races on different trails around the mountain.  

“Everybody faces obstacles in their lives. Some are visible. Others are deeply personal

Little BEAV run course map

. You don’t know why people are signing up,” Smith said. “It gives me lots of joy to help others do something that some people might be doing for the first time, and I want to be a part of their journey.”