Think you’re up for a challenging obstacle course race filled with mud and other muck? Take your pick:
Marine Corps Run Amuck
This might be a good starter race if you want to try next year. Set this year for Aug. 14, this Quantico event — which has been sold out for weeks — is a manageable 3.5 miles with a $35 registration fee. marinemarathon.com
Warrior Dash
Pictures say a lot. The Web site for the Warrior Dash shows people covered in mud, running through flames, wearing Viking horned hats and drinking large mugs of beer. This 3.15-mile race is set for Oct. 9-10 at Quarryville, Pa. (about an hour northeast of Baltimore). $65. warriordash.com
Tough Mudder
Registration is not yet open, and the date and location has not been determined, though expect some time in 2011. The standard entry fee for the Pennsylvania race was $90, and includes a free beer. This one is about seven miles long, and the Web site says it was designed by British special forces. If you pledge to raise $150 for the Wounded Warrior Project, you get $25 off the registration fee. toughmudder.com
Muddy Buddy Ride & Run
This 6- to 7-mile off-road course is run with partners, alternating bike ridding and running. Registration was $150 per team. The race took place in May in Chesterfield, just south of Richmond. So you have time to trick a friend in signing up with you for next year. muddy-buddy.competitor.com
RunAmuck Mud and Music Fest
This is a 5K that takes place in Rockville in May, complete with mud pits. You can race solo, in pairs or teams of four. runamuckfestival.com
