From freezing trails to 157.5 miles of perseverance, The Beast of Burden Race.
This post shares my experience competing in The Beast of Burden, a 24-hour endurance race of trail running and mountain biking on Kessler Mountain. Through freezing 32°F temperatures, relentless climbs, and 157.5 miles of grit, our team proved that consistency, teamwork, and determination can push you far beyond your limits. It’s a story about perseverance, mindset, and showing up in fitness, career, and life.
FITNESS & LIFESTYLE
Varun Goguri
11/7/20251 min read
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This Halloween weekend, our team took on The Beast of Burden, a 24-hour endurance challenge that combined trail running and mountain biking on Kessler Mountain, Fayetteville, Arkansas. It was cold, raw, and relentless. The temperature dropped to around 32°F at night, and every mile tested not just our endurance, but our mindset.
The course pushed us through steep climbs, rocky trails, and dark hours where only determination kept us moving. There were moments when our legs felt heavy and the fatigue crept in, but as a team, we kept each other going. Every push of the pedal and every stride through the night was fueled by one goal, to finish stronger than we started.
When the clock hit the 24-hour mark, we had covered 157.5 miles as a team. It wasn’t just about crossing the finish line; it was about proving that consistency, teamwork, and grit can take you far beyond what you once thought was possible.
Each mile was a reminder that success is not about being the fastest or the strongest. It’s about never giving up, even when the odds seem stacked against you. Endurance is built in those moments when you keep going, especially when no one’s watching and comfort feels tempting.
To everyone chasing a goal in fitness, career, or life, remember this:
Your limits aren’t walls meant to stop you. They’re checkpoints waiting to be crossed. Keep showing up, keep pushing forward, and trust that every small effort compounds into something powerful.
We didn’t just conquer a race on Kessler Mountain. We proved that with purpose, persistence, and the right people by your side, there are no limits to what you can achieve.
About the Author: Varun Goguri is a Technology & Fitness Enthusiast exploring the intersection of AI, data engineering, and innovation. Connect with me to discuss the future of data and technology.
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