by Lauren Sorenson–Color Runs, Tough Mudders, and Warrior Dashes are all the craze right now in
the athletic world. These runs take a creative, new spin on the run–of-the-mill
marathon. Each run encourages the participants to focus on having fun, rather than
times. Not only are these wacky runs fun, they also support a number of different
charities.
The Color Run is a unique race that boasts to be the “Happiest 5k on the Planet”.
There are only two rules in this race. Number one: the runners must wear white.
Number two: they must finish coated in color. This race is unique because runners
are doused with vibrant paint at certain mile markers, so by the time the runners
are finished they are completely tie-dyed. The Color Run focuses more on the
experience and promoting health than on times. In fact they don’t even time the
runners. The run is only a 5k, so over 60% of the runners are first-timers. The Color
Run also encourages giving back to the community. For every city that the Color Run
visits they choose a local charity to make donations to. For information on the Color
Run go to: thecolorrun.com
The Tough Mudder is quite different from the Color Run. This event was designed
to test competitors’ physical strength, as well as mental grit. Contenders are pushed
to their limits by running through a 10-12 mile obstacle course, which was designed
by British Special Forces. As intense as this course sounds, runners must take it light
heartedly. After finishing the obstacle course Mudders are met with a live band and,
of course, beer. Finally, the Tough Mudder supports camaraderie on the course.
Teammates are needed to boost other Mudders over 12 foot walls and give each
other a little support throughout the event. The Tough Mudder has had 700,000
participants and has raised over $5,000,000 for the Wounded Warrior Project. For
information on the Tough Mudder go to: toughmudder.com
The Warrior Dash is very similar to the Tough Mudder. Runners challenge
themselves by taking on this extreme obstacle course that brags to be the world’s
largest. This obstacle course takes runners through every possible ailment: mud,
murky water, and even fire. There are 17 different obstacles in the course. They
include everything from walls to tire running to something similar to a tight rope
walk. Just like the other two runs the Warrior Dash generates money for a specific
charity. To date it has raised $5,182,720.21 for St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.
For more information on the Warrior Dash go to: www.warriordash.com
If you’re interested in participating in a challenging and dirty run contact Jerry
Dubois at (712) 212-5604. There will be a Mud Run this July outside of Hinton. The
cost to participate will be around $30.
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