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.

MUDMANX, New Windsor NY, 8/25/12

Another "family" reunion... felt a little like deja vu this weekend.  I had run a race right here at Cousin's Paintball Park back in June's Obstacle Apocalypse, but also less than a month ago took on July's MudmanX in New Jersey.  This ended up being around a 3 mile run, as opposed to the 5 miles in Manchester, which was a fact that confused some including myself- expecting another two miles before arriving at this finish line. There were other differences this time around, comparing both to the same venue and to this same race series.  Some improvements, but also some work still needed.

1. COURSE-  Overall, MMX did up their game slightly on the course design from last month, and seemed to do a little "more" with 5k here than Obstacle Apocalypse did.  The biggest improvement had to be the better markings and directions on the trail sections, where many had gotten lost for parts of the other race.  However, clarity is still needed on the race's obstacle completion rule, where no penalties might make it faster to bypass or "fail" an obstacle than to take the time to successfully do it (read: Spartan burpees?).  The wood structures to climb or negotiate were mostly the same from NJ, though they didn't bring back my favorite dark-smoky-maze-house for this one.  This site had much more water (several pond crossings) to incorporate and hilly areas to add to what otherwise would have been mainly a rocky trail run.  With their slogan for conquering the elements, it was nice to see they did not forget "fire" (as they had in NJ), including the old traditional leap nearing the finish.  Although I didn't bring home any cash awards this time, I finally did get the feel of the electric wire shock after stealthily avoiding it in July- yikes!  GRADE = B

2. FESTIVAL-  Even though the main party didn't really happen due to a rainout in NJ, it still would have been a better time than what was going on here.  I didn't hang around long, but by the time I finished the race it didn't seem like the festival gave much reason to anyway.  Manchester promised a handful of live bands, but couldn't tell if there was any music here post-race.  The scene as a whole was kind of dull, which was disappointing after seeing the military Hummers, mechanical bull, and bouncy castles in NJ. Maybe another severe thunderstorm could have made this festival more exciting?  GRADE = D

3. SWAG-  Same deal as July's MMX- shirt, headband, and beer.  Note that pic below is NOT the current swag giveaway- instead its one of the alternate issues they hooked me up with (plus I didn't want to post the exact same pic as last month!).  Although the quality of their stuff is decent, I think they'll have to offer more in the goodie bag soon before the veteran and returning racers decide this swag is no longer unique. GRADE = B


OVERALL GRADE = B