The nation’s leading obstacle race series adds locations and encourages participation of fitness newcomers
Entering its ninth season, Warrior Dash, the 5K obstacle course race that more than 3 million people have completed since 2009, will feature 24 stops across North America beginning in Florida this February. As the obstacle course race that anyone can start and everyone can finish, this year will feature multiple new obstacles with the return of many fan-favorites.
“Heading into our 9th season of Warrior Dash, we’ve challenged more than 3 million participants since our inception,” says Ryan Kunkel, Co-CEO of Red Frog Events, the producers of Warrior Dash. “For many runners, Warrior Dash is their first organized race and glimpse into the obstacle racing industry. We’re proud to be the gateway for so many people to find their fitness inspiration and do something different during their weekend.”
With 12 obstacles making up the 5k Warrior Dash course, many signature obstacles will return to the Battleground in 2017 including Muddy Mayhem, Warrior Roast, Goliath, Alcatraz, Pipeline, Fisherman’s Catch, and more. New obstacles debuting in 2017 include:
Magic Carpet Ride: Competitors can “walk on water” as they cross the wobbling, slippery mat to get to the other side. Core strength, balance, and speed are the three wishes of choice to fly on the Magic Carpet Ride.
Pallet Jacked: The water will cushion competitors falls as they traverse across swaying decks hovering above the water. Make it across, and competitors will be one step closer to the finish line.
Bridge the Gap: To reach each plank and summit the top of the pyramid, competitors will need to stretch as tall as they can. Calf muscles and hamstrings are the key to successfully Bridging the Gap.
Entering its sixth consecutive year, Warrior Dash continues their philanthropic commitment with St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. Participants can sign-up and fundraise as a St. Jude Warrior. In doing so, they gain access to the St. Jude VIP tent, with private showers, and additional benefits. All donations go towards the St. Jude Red Frog Events Proton Therapy Center which opened on the St. Jude campus in Memphis in late 2015.
The Warrior Hangout offers something for everyone – participants and spectators alike. New in 2017 is the Stein Standoff and Tire Flipping. In Stein Standoff, ten Warriors will test their strength as they hold up their stein with a straight arm. Bend, spill or drop the full stein, and lose the standoff. Winner walks away with a stein full of beer. Warriors can test their strength or race their friends with Tire Flipping.
Enjoy a live DJ, more photo opportunities, lawn games and a full lineup of contests like tug-o-war, dancing, best beard, costume, and more. With more shade and seating options available, the festival remains free of charge and open to the public.
A new finisher t-shirt will be debuting at Warrior Dash in 2017. Participants will continue to receive a Warrior Dash signature fuzzy helmet with their registration. A new year brings a new twist on participant medals with Warrior Dash’s 2017 edition featuring a cube-shape that can double as a die to promote fun workouts and training routines.
Warrior Dash and the OCR World Championships continue their partnership for the international championship event taking place on October 13-15, 2017 at Blue Mountain Resort in Ontario, Canada. Competitive Warriors can qualify by finishing in the top 10 for their gender in any Warrior Dash competitive wave. The top three male and top three female finishers will be recognized on stage at their respective Warrior Dash award ceremony.
Visit WarriorDash.com to secure a spot in a competitive, preferred, or standard wave at one of Warrior Dash’s 2017 locations.
Florida, February 11
Texas, March 4
California, April 8
Georgia, April 15
Tennessee, April 22
Kansas City, April 29
Oklahoma, May 6
Wisconsin, May 13
New York, May 20
Ontario, Can., May 27
North Carolina, June 3
Minnesota, July 8
Nebraska, July 15
Ohio, July 22 & 23
Michigan, July 29
Maryland, August 5
Illinois, August 12
New England, August 19
Pennsylvania, August 26
Indiana, September 9
Colorado, September 16
Washington, September 23
Oregon, October 7
Louisiana, October 21
Warrior Dash is the 5K obstacle course race that anyone can start and everyone can finish. Since 2009, over 3 million participants have celebrated their decision to leave their normal weekend in the mud – and the running industry hasn’t been the same since. Warrior Dash and its parent company, Red Frog Events, with the help of participants and a variety of initiatives, have donated over $13.5 million for St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. Visit WarriorDash.com to learn more or find a location near you.
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