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, 7/27/13

The first OCR I have gone to 4 years in a row at the same venue got me not only excited for the new addition of a competitive racers heat, but also in major hopes that they would return to form after a lousy 2012 event.  Better weather at least gave promise to a solid afterparty this year, but the wish for an improved race course and obstacles got ignored, as this event seems to be on the decline.  And the biggest hint of that was the fact they only had a Saturday race and not both weekend days like the last three years.  Very shocked by that considering the massive numbers they have pulled in for this and most other Dashes.  What's the reason?

1. COURSE-  I had a entire year to write to Santa, pray each night to the mud Gods, and throw lots of pennies into the well asking for this race to go back to the good ol' days of 2010 and 2011.  And I was a good boy, I swear!  So, why did they shorten the course even more, take out all the fun obstacles (water slide, for example), and act like they were no longer "The World's Largest Obstacle Race Series"?.  I just don't have the answer, and I really thought with the number of complaints they received a year ago, that they would fix the problems, not make them worse.  Saw the same terrible logjam backups at obstacles later in the day on my second lap, wondering why they can't simply widen certain spots to eliminate one of the worst common problems OCRs can ever run into.  Have to seriously debate returning for a 5th year but at least I have a while to think about it, and so does Warrior Dash.  Hint hint guys...  GRADE = C

2. FESTIVAL-  Thankfully, they do know how to really get down after a race.  Maybe that's the focus they want- to turn the event into more of a spring break scene and less of an athletic competition. Either way, it's been a good show year after year (despite near-hurricane rain last year), and it's just well organized with comfortable space to relax at the picnic tables and grass fields, with good views of the start and finish lines.  Wish they would address the poor showering system, a mere mist spray from the snow making cannons at the base.  Also hope they will notice the score reporting system that most other races use (touch screen computers to look up individual times) and ditch the handful of flatscreens running, and waiting through, a continuous loop of thousands of everyone's scores.  GRADE = B

3. SWAG-  Warrior improved their finisher shirts the last two years, and this one may be their best yet with the interesting pink/maroon color and catchy Viking logo design on front.  I'm usually very impressed with the totally different medals they have given away each year, but this year's combo medal and bottle opener didn't keep the trend going, looking more like a gift shop souvenir than anything I'd brag about earning in a race.  And yes, though not shown in the photo, another furry helmet with horns is in everybody's goodie bag.  Lastly, WD finally stepped up and added a competitive heat for awards, but then immediately dropped the ball by still combining all later "open" heats into the overall standings.  I can't be too mad though, as this event has really never focused on competing and prizes.  GRADE = B

OVERALL GRADE = B