Best Competitions To Get Dirty Around Chicago
By Sara Lugardo
Chicago is known for its many marathons and festivals. However, a new trend in marathons and fitness activities is the implementation of getting dirty in competitive sport. Instead of limiting yourself to just ordinary sweat, have a little more fun in your competition by adding some grime. Take part in this fitness trend and all that Chicago has to offer. The result could be a new tradition you take part in every year or something you could do with friends and family.
Merrell Down & Dirty
Indian Hills Farm
16N503 Powers Road
Gilberts, IL 60136
(818) 707-8866
www.downanddirtymudrun.com
Date: May 19
There is a 5K course and 10K course offered through this event. Registration for the 5K starts at $60 and the 10K starts at $70. Online registration closes on May 16th, provided the event is not sold out. Runners will race through fields, bridges and over the 91 Highway during both the 5K and 10K course. However, the draw to the race is the main event field where things get really muddy.
Muddy Buddy Adventure Series
Indian Hills Farm
16N503 Powers Road
Gilberts, IL 60136
(800) 311-1255
www.muddybuddy.com
Date: July 20
This event is offering three separate activities. The Muddy Buddy Mud Run and Muddy Buddy Bike & Run start at $72.50 with late registration at $102.50. The Mini Muddy Buddy costs $20 and offers families the ability to involve their children in active exercise while having fun in the mud. The participant perks include a finisher medal, post-race snacks, parking fee and even a post-race beer for those over 21. The location of this event is subject to last-minute change so make sure to call the number listed or visit the website before registration.
Tough Mudder
Seneca Hunt Club
1 W. Union St.
Seneca, IL 61360
www.toughmudder.com
Date: May 18-19
Entry is between $135 to $180, depending on whether or not you take advantage of early registration. Registration includes a Tough Mudder headband, T-shirt and a hard-earned beer. The total distance of the course is between 10 to 12 miles with 20 to 25 obstacles along the course. The obstacles include shimmying through a mud-filled tube under barbed wire, belly crawling through mud, scaling a wall, walking the plank over treacherous waters and much more. Tough Mudder proudly supports the Wounded Warrior Project and offers participants the ability to donate. Participants that send fundraising links to friends and family receive a $25 refund discount if they raise over $150.
Related: Best Running Clubs In Chicago
The Color Run
Grant Park, Butler Field
E. Monroe St. and S. Columbus Drive
Chicago, IL 60603
(855) 662-6567
www.thecolorrun.com
Date: June 16
While the course map has yet to be announced, last year's run started at Montrose Harbor. Participants are able to race it as individuals or as a team with four or more members. The event welcomes all ages, regardless of whether you are new to running or an expert. The dress code entails a clean white shirt at the beginning of the race with three separate color zones throughout the course. Participants will be splashed with a new color with each kilometer of the race and all paints are 100-percent natural and safe. Registration is between $50 to $60 depending on the date of entry.
Dirty Girl Mud Run
Lake County Fairgrounds
1060 E. Peterson Road
Libertyville, IL 60030
(800) 370-0179
www.godirtygirl.com
Date: June 29-30
This is a women's only event that combines a 5K obstacle course with the spirit of girl power. There isn't a time limit on the adventure runs and for those looking to forgo some of the more challenging obstacles, there are adventure detours available. The goal is to have fun, get dirty and laugh a lot with your fellow racers. Registration is $75 to $100 depending on date of entry. To honor cancer survivors, there are 250 complimentary entry slots at each event.
Sara Lugardo is a professional writer out of Chicago, Illinois. She has a Bachelor's in Communication and is currently working on her Master's. Her work can be found on Examiner.com.
