After each mud run or obstacle race I compete in, you'll get my review and grades for each event to help you decide which ones you might want to sign up for. The following categories will be discussed:

1. COURSE- the design, venue, and setup of the race itself- how creative/ adventurous/ difficult the obstacles were, and obviously... how was the MUD?!?

2. FESTIVAL- all the fun beyond the actual race- the social atmosphere which usually includes food, beer garden, dj/ music/ concert, contests, vendors, and more during the after-party

3. SWAG- the included goodie bag and prizes up for grabs- all the "free" stuff that comes with price of entry and the quality of awards, shirts, and other giveaways

Feel free to use the search box to read up on any past topics you might be looking for.

WARRIOR DASH, Windham NY, 8/13/11

In just two words... class act. For the second year in a row at Windham Mountain ski resort, Warrior Dash has brought their event to upstate NY and upped the bar for the other races trying to compete for northeast mud runners. Not much negative can be described about the race and the weekend as a whole- these guys just plain do it right!

1. COURSE- Wow! Felt like we wanted to check the blueprint for the course that it was only 3 miles- the uphill start made it seem like twice that distance! Just when you think it couldn't keep going up an incline, it does. Walking at least part of it was unavoidable- a bit humbling for any athlete. The dozen obstacles scattered throughout the trail were challenging, creative, and fun (and improved from last year's). GRADE = A

2. FESTIVAL- Again, the best in the business! No one rocks out a weekend with 17000 people the way they do before/during/after the race. Cover band concert going on all day at the base lodge festival area with beer garden, excellent hot food choices (like their famous giant turkey leg), and a bunch of games/contests going on (such as the crazy free fall jump onto the "bubble") GRADE = A

3. SWAG- Where else can you even find a plush viking helmet, much less get one free with registration? Cotton t-shirt is nice with a cool design on front and back ("I survived Warrior Dash"). And the finisher medal with their trademark helmet design is unique and a proud souvenir that everyone wears for the rest of the weekend! GRADE = A


OVERALL GRADE = A