As summer has already gotten underway, you have probably seen people running along the side of the road either training for an upcoming race or just leisurely jogging as they enjoy the nice weather. Most of us know about the 5K races that support a number of different causes and themes but one company took the idea of a race and drug it through the mud…literally.
On Saturday, June 19th and Sunday, June 20th, Red Frog Events hosts the Warrior Dash in Joliet, IL. Located at CPX Sports, which is the home of one of Chicago’s premiere paintball fields, participants run a 3.17-mile race with over twelve different and challenging obstacles along the way.
“We wanted to create a race that was based on the fun stuff we like to do as kids,” explained Race Director and Foreman of Festivities, Alex Yount. Making its debut in 2009, the Warrior Dash sold out with 2,000 brave souls taking part.
As word got around throughout the year about this unique race, when it came time to sign up for the 2010 race, a second day was added because the first day filled up so fast. Now over 16,000 participants are signed up and ready to race this weekend.
Some of the obstacles along the course are, Cargo Net Climb, Slithering Swamp, the Warrior Roast, where you jump over two rows of fire as you finish by low crawling through mud under barbed wire called Muddy Mayhem. In addition to all that, some new obstacles were added to the course for 2010 such as Hayfeaver, where you have to climb up giant straw bales as well as Knee High Hell where just like it sounds, you high step through a series of tires.
Sorry footballs players, this may bring back some bad memories from high school football practices. Fun, food and t-shirts are not the only this that will be taken away from the days festivities as Red Frog Events has teamed up with the Green Sneakers organization.
After the race there will be a place where you can donate your muddy shoes and Green Sneakers will take the shoes, clean them up and donate them to third world countries or families in need. “After people run the race they end up donating their shoes and by the end of weekend it’s not surprising to see 8-10,000 pairs of shoes in the pile,” explained Mr. Yount.
As entry for the race is now closed, the race is open to the public to cheer on the runners as they try to handle all that is put in front of them. “Warrior Dash is not like your typical 5K, it’s the full experience.,” said Mr. Yount. “Get ready to challenge yourself as you are about to have the craziest frickin’ day of your life!”