The Warrior Dash isn’t your typical 5K. Participants don’t run the race route, they duck, climb and crash their way through it. Each Dash has a unique obstacle course, but you can usually be guaranteed that it’ll be muddy. Also, runners dress up in costume — anything from medieval knights to Smurfs — to test their mental and physical audacity. “It gives people the opportunity to express their inner warrior,” says Kendra Alley, race director at Red Frog Events. “It’s the freedom to let loose, dress up in costumes, eat a turkey leg, get muddy and have a beer.”
Although the obstacles look difficult, Alley says the race welcomes everyone from couch potatoes to extreme athletes. Runners “party like warriors” after the race with free beer, food and live music. Raised funds go to the St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.
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When: Year-round
Where: Throughout the U.S. and Australia