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, 8/11/12

I would never have thought that this event would be one of the year's biggest disappointments.  The only race I have done for three consecutive years (at the same venue), had been great in 2010 and even better in 2011, so naturally I expected even more from them this year.  With huge numbers again drawing 17k+ runners, Warrior Dash has been an annual staple in the Catskills thats sets the bar high for OCR's.  Despite still earning good grades, it was sad to see the many cutbacks and just an overall less impressive event. They CAN SHOULD do better!

1. COURSE-  Just don't know what happened- this race was (almost) on par with the creativity of Spartan's and Tough Mudder's, and they go decide to halve the features and skimp out on anything even remotely fun or challenging.  Last year had a number of great obstacles: huge A-frame cargo net climb, tires and junkyard cars to crawl over, and a sloped balance beam traverse, just to name a few.  This year- all gone!  Yes, they did add extra uphill hikes to slow the course times down a bit, but if this race was not on a mountain, it would get far worse of a mark.  At least the final trio of water slide, fire jump, and mud pit near the end gives you a little excitement before collecting your medal.  This is being generous... GRADE = B

2. FESTIVAL-  Second race in a row that the party got washed out by wild thunderstorms- is it me?  But to be objective and review the offerings (sans hurricane), WD still has one of the best around. Dubsteppin DJ and eclectic live "bagpipe-rock" band (Dropkick Murphy's anyone?) were crankin until they had to pack up the show.  There might have been a few less games and contests than before, but it's still the only place I've seen where you can backflip off a third story staircase onto an inflated bubble for just a few bucks. GRADE = B

3. SWAG-  Didn't know that WD apparently has partnered up with Reebok (and CrossFit too? as they were playing CF commercials all day on the big screen).  Much improved t-shirts due to the new sponsor, compared to the all-cotton Fruit of the Loom prior version.  Also an upgrade on finisher medals, which could rival a marathon or Olympic medal (not that I have one of either!) in both its new size and weight.  Plush viking helmet is still standard issue, but what can you really do with three of them now? GRADE = A


OVERALL GRADE = B