So you’ve run a few races. Maybe you’ve tackled a few 5k runs, moved your way up to 10k runs, and you are just kind of bored pounding the pavement or the occasional trail on your runs. Now you are looking for a new challenge, something different from your usual race.
Well, welcome to the world of mud runs.
With obstacles to conquer all and in some cases grueling terrain between those obstacles, you’re about to find out how mentally, as well as physically tough you really are. Here are just a few of the upcoming mud runs coming to Minnesota.
The Viking Challenge
This run is located in Fergus Falls and takes place on June 17th. Fergus Falls is a bit of a drive; about 3 hours northeast of the Twin Cities. But if you make the drive it will be so worth it: You have the choice of signing up for a 5K(~3.1 miles) or a 10k(~6.2 miles); the 5k has 13 obstacles, and no swimming section, while the 10k has 18 obstacles and an entire swimming course. The entire course takes place through the wild outdoors, through 400 acres of woods, scenic meadows, and, of course, a lot of water and mud. The only thing that might make it better is if it rains the day the event is held. If interested head on over to their website by clicking HERE. Registration before June 1st is $80, and after that knocks down to $70. There is also a family run for younger children that costs $35 for ages 8 to 17, and $50 for anyone over 18.
Pro tip: If you don’t want to run, you can always grab some friends, create a team for $30 and play mud volleyball instead.
Spartan Race: Spartan Sprint
This is a team event taking place June 24th in Welch at the Welch Village Ski Resort, 26685 County 7 Blvd, Welch MN 55089. This is a 3 to 5 mile run with 20 to 23 obstacles standing in your way to bragging rights. Grab four or more friends and get ready to work together and as you slog through mud, help each other over walls, and motivate one another’s inner Spartan warrior. There are multiple different groups that you and your team can join, and registration varies: for morning and afternoon groups $119, for competitive group at $134, for elite women at $144, and the elite men group at $154. There will be $10 (cash only) increase in registration fees as the race date gets closer. Parking is also $10 per vehicle, so carpooling is suggested. If you want to watch all the muddy mayhem, for $20 online or $25 on site (cash only) you can be a spectator. Find more details on their website by clicking HERE.
Warrior Dash Minnesota
Located in Le Sueur and taking place on July 8th at the Caribou Gun club at 30649 3800th Street this race really is a muddy mess: Twelve obstacles, and a 3.2 mile (5k) course length is sure to get your heart pumping, and turn your shoes, and shorts, and your entire self into a muddy mess. You can check out all the details at their website HERE. Registration is currently $65, will increase to $75 on June 28th, or, if there are any openings left, you can register at the event for $90. On top of bragging rights for completing the run there will be DJ’s pumping out music all day and food and beer available to make it as much a party as it is feat of athleticism.
Tough Mudder Half
This runs takes place in Hugo on July 15th and 16th at Wild Wings, Oneka, 9481 152nd St. N. It’s a 5 mile course with 13 different obstacles. It’s a course known for defeating the toughest of runners and not to be taken lightly. As this course has the highest rated difficulty in its industry, featuring obstacles like the Block Ness Monster, Everest 2.0, and The Pyramid Scheme, you’re certainly in for a challenge. But should you make it, you’ll be unbelievably proud of yourself when you get to the end. Trust us. Join as an individual and run it as a lone wolf, or get some friends and family to run it as a team. (Note: Teams must be created two weeks prior to the race). Join up for $119, or just go and watch the madness for $20. There is even a Mini mudder for kids that is a 1 mile course for $20 as well. Check out all the details at the event website HERE! Heads up: There is a $15 cost to park if you register online, or $20 the day of the event.
Tonka Mud Run
Taking place at Minnewashta Regional Park at 6900 Hazeltine Blvd, in Chanhassen on July 22nd this run is all about family fun. There is plenty of mud (duh), as well as a waterslide, more mud, tunnels with mud, and obstacles, with you guess it, more mud. This is every kids dream and every parents absolute nightmare, but it’s about raising money for the Many Hands Many Meals nonprofit, so at least it’s for a good cause. There are different runs, from a short obstacle fun run, to a challenge fun run, to a just have fun challenge run (Try saying that last one five times fast). And, for the kids and the kid in all of us, fire trucks arrive at the end to hose off all the runners. Take a peak at their website right HERE and go have a family outing full of fun and mud.
Take a look at all these great runs and pick the one that makes you smile from ear to ear. Bound to be fun you can challenge yourself, as well as earn you bragging rights at the water cooler, and allow your inner child to come out and play in the mud.
See more: Things To Do Fun runs: Bubbles, colors, beer and superheroes
