Best Competitions To Get Dirty In Charlotte

So you say you like it dirty huh? The dirtier the better? No, I’m not referring to the way you take your martinis. I’m talking about competition. The down and dirty type. If you’re the kind of person who would rather walk in the woods than on the street, if you would rather run over terrain better suited to a warthog than a human, if you would rather jump, climb, crawl and scramble over some of the toughest, muddiest ground around all while competing with other dirty minded athletes then read on as I list five of the dirtiest competitions in and around the Charlotte area. These are obstacle courses that are designed to wear you out and make you proud. There’s only one requisite…ya gotta get dirty!

Related: The Cutest Baby Animals

Zoo City Motor Sports Park
279 Joe Farlow Road
Asheboro, NC 27205
www.ruggedmaniac.com

Date: April 20, 2013

This race does everything possible to live up to its name. Billed as the “muddiest race in America”, the Rugged Maniac is run over a course which covers 3.1K (kilometers) of mud drenched terrain with 20 obstacles that include cargo net climbs, 20-foot walls, hills, a 100-foot water slide and, of course, mud pits. The obstacles are constructed by licensed contractors and are designed to be brutal but the fun doesn’t stop there. While you wait to run the course there are plenty of other activities such as the adult sized “bounce house” built for the big kid in us all and the mechanical bull that beckons to be ridden. Or for those who want to conserve their strength, there will be live music and plenty of food and drink. Participants will also receive free beer (for those over 21), a high quality race tee and event photos. If you are looking for a real challenge and you love it dirty, then this race is for you. Check the website for multiple price options.

McConnell Hall Plantation
4040 Midway Road
Anderson, SC 29621
(352) 588-0323
www.mudendeavor.com

Date: May 18, 2013

Located in the hills of Upstate South Carolina, approximately 130 miles from Charlotte, the McConnell Plantation is an awesome site for a mud run. The changes in elevation, dense treeline and abundance of creeks, ponds and mud holes guarantee participants of this race a true run for their money. As you trudge up and down through an array of sand, wet clay and mud you will find 15 obstacles that will bar your path and demand that you use all of your strength to make your way through, challenging even the fiercest of competitors. Yet overall, the 5k course was designed to be enjoyed by athletes of all ages and abilities. So head south and west, bring the family and enjoy a day of raucous running in the Carolina sun.

Warrior Dash
Historic Rural Hill
4431 Neck Road
Huntersville, NC 28078
(312) 980-9983
www.warriordash.com

Date: June 1, 2013– waves start at 9:00 a.m.

The Warrior Dash, also known as the “Iron” Warrior Dash, is a 5k race that runs over some of the toughest and most unique terrain in the world. With obstacles that have names like “petrifying plunge,” “vicious valley” and “hard rain,” this down and dirty course will challenge even top athletes. Multiple start times are available so go to the web site and register early for your choice. One complimentary beer and food such as turkey legs and corn on the cob are included in the admission fee along with a race tee shirt, warrior medal, fuzzy warrior helmet and bib. Fair warning: This is one of the most demanding obstacle courses in existence so if your looking for a challenge, come ready.
Related: Best Kettlebell Workouts In Charlotte

Private Estate
1792 South Lake Drive
Lexington, SC 29073
(803) 451-1197
www.usmcmudrun.com

Date: Oct. 12, 2013

So you think you’re tough? Marine tough? Well, the US Marine Corps Ultimate Challenge Run, held about 100 miles south of Charlotte, is not for the faint of heart. Like the name says, this is an “ultimate challenge” mud run. The course covers 10K (6.2 miles) and includes 36 body crunching obstacles that are designed and built by Marines. The location is a private estate which is closed all year to the public except for race day and encompasses a diverse landscape of natural obstacles that will sap your will and have you crying for your mommy. The proceeds of this event will be used to help local Marines and other veterans. So if you are looking for a real challenge and you want to know just how well you measure up, register and compete in this race and learn what it’s like to be a Marine for a day.

Charlotte, NC
(800) 370-0179
www.imathlete.com

Date: Oct. 5, 2013

The Dirty Girl Mud Run is a “non-traditional” race designed to be a celebration of women of all ages and athletic abilities. The course consists of 12 obstacles with names like “H2OMG”, and PMS (Pretty Muddy Stuff), designed to be tough enough to take participants out of their comfort zone, but fun and exciting enough to encourage all dirty minded women to compete. Participants can walk, run, crawl or climb as they see fit. The only rule is that you must get dirty. And if you find a particular obstacle just too tough, there are detours throughout the course. A portion of the proceeds of this event will be donated to the National Breast Cancer Foundation. Teams and crazy uniforms are part of the fun. So bring out your mom, daughter, sister or even grandma and let that dirty mind run free.

Related: Best Running Clubs In Charlotte