The winner of the first annual Uwharrie 20-Mile Mountain Run "Battle of the Beards" contest will be determined by the total score of the following 3 categories.

1.  FINISH TIME (Thys "The Terror" Wind has the advantage.)
Based on official time rounded off the nearest minute.
3:00 or faster = 10 pts
3:01-3:15 = 9 pts
3:16-3:45 = 8 pts
3:46-4:15 = 7 pts
4:16-4:45 = 6 pts
4:46 or slower = 5 pts

2. BEARD LENGTH (Certain to be a hard-fought battle between Joe "Tridaddy" Nuss and "Squonk" from the Trailheads).
Measured by Joe at the chin on race day.  Note: the average beard grows 1/2 inch per month
"pubescent" (less than 1/4 inch) = 4 pts
"manly" (1/4-1/2 inch) = 6 pts
"grizzly" (1/2-1 inch) = 8 pts
"HOLY mountain man!" (greater than 1 inch) = 10 pts

3.  BLOG COMMENTS (Steve "GQ Money" has the advantage.)
Photos will be posted right here on the Endurance Mag blog and we're counting on you to respond.  Be sure to mention a name so one of us gets credit for the points.
comments made by male readers =  1 pt/comment
comments made by female reader = 2 pts/comment

IN CASE OF A TIE:
Chances are that the margin of victory in the inaugural Battle of the Beards will be "razor thin."  After all, we are Endurance Magazine.  In the unlikely case of a tie, however, we will defer to the lovely ladies in our studio to decide who will win.  Tamara, Casey, Mandy, Lisa, Courtney, and Rachel will be asked to cast a vote.  This is perhaps where the fullness of the beard comes into play, so think twice before you go crazy with the beard groomer.

May the best man win!