Photo courtesy Marine Mud Challenge at Belmont Abbey.
Wannabe Warriors, Spartans and Mudders Beware!
By Joe Nuss
Not all mud runs are created equal. True, most boast mud, throngs of participants, obstacles, post-race beer and race directors who almost always seem to be former British special forces, counter-terrorism, or typical military bad-asses, but the similarities end there.
If you’re interested in a fun event with post-race beer and Pterodactyl-sized turkey legs, there’s a mud run for you. If you’re interested in the next step after Ironman, there’s a mud run for you, too.
Check out a few upcoming mud runs of varying difficulties:
Super Spartan Race Carolinas – June 25
Winnsboro, SC
Quick Info: 8+ miles, 15+ obstacles, mud.
Official Race Description:
The Super Spartan obstacle course race provides an 8+ mile battlefield of insane mud running with 15+ obstacles to test your physical strength and mental resolve. The good news is that after you complete your painful journey, there will be live music and a catered meal to soothe your aching joints. Runners will be times and the top 3 male and female finishers will qualify for free entry into the more difficult “Spartan Death Race”.
Warrior Dash – August 27-28
Huntersville, NC
Quick Info: 3.08 miles, 12 obstacles, mud.
Official Race Description:
The Warrior Dash is a mud-crawling, fire-leaping, extreme run from hell. This fierece running series is held on the most challenging and rugged terrain across the globe. Warriors conquer extreme obstacles, push there limits and celebrate with kick-ass music, beer and warrior helmets.
5th Annual Marine Mud Challenge – September 10
Belmont Abbey College, NC
Quick Info:
Competitive Course – 6.5 miles, 40+ obstacles and challenges, 1,000 feet of mud pit activities, U.S. Marine “motivators”
Fun Run – 2.5 miles, plenty of challenges, 700 feet of mud pit activities, U.S. Marine “motivators”
Official Race Description:
On/off road running and physical fitness challenge. Teams of 4 must compete together for the entire duration of the event. Along the course, we plan to have more than 40 physical challenges and obstacles, mud pits, and around 100 Marines to provide “boot camp-like” motivation for all of the participants. We’re partnering with the Belmont Merchants Association and their Friday Night Live event on September 9th for pre-registration.
Tough Mudder – October 22-23
Wintergreen Resort, VA
Quick Info: 10-12 miles, 20-25 obstacles, mud.
Official Race Description:
Tough Mudder is not your average lame-ass mud run or spirit-crushing “endurance” road race. It’s Ironman meets Burning Man. The 10-12 mile obstacle courses are designed by British Special Forces to test all around strength, stamina, mental grit, and camaraderie. Forget finish times. Simply completing a Tough Mudder is a badger of honor. On average, only 78% of participants finish a Tough Mudder event. Only those in strong physical condition should enter.
