What's On: The Beast is back in the Bay of Islands

Brenna Forsythe crosses the line second in the female under-19 competition at last year's The Beast race at Haruru Falls. The Beast is back tomorrow.

Forecast showers could make today's The Beat race at Haruru Falls, in the Bay of Islands, interesting.

The Fullers Greatsights Bay of Islands Beast is back again and the forecast of showers could ensure its reputation as The Bay's muddiest, toughest race remains intact.

There's a super-tough 7km course which includes swamps, river crossings, steep hills, uneven terrain and "a little bit of mud".

Though tough, The Beast is supposed to be a fun event so runners are invited to team up and wear fancy dress.

Runners will be greeted at the finish with a warming hangi, while volunteers from the Paihia Fire Brigade will have their hoses ready for anyone who needs a clean-up.

This year's course should be especially muddy thanks to recent heavy rain.

Go to www.thebeast.co.nz for more information. The race takes place on Haruru Falls farmland but there's no parking on site.

Participants have to catch one of the buses which leaves the Maritime Building in Paihia between 9am and 10.30am. The safety briefing is at 10.45am; the race starts at 11am.