Obstacle races have become tremendously popular in the United States over the course of the past four years. I remember in 2009 when I participated in the first round of Warrior Dashes, before the Tough Mudder and Spartan Races were available. It was a blast and ever since then I have competed in other similar events, including the Men’s Health Urbanathlon. Obviously, these three major organizations are not the only ones running these races but they have become behemoths in the industry.

Tough Mudder supposedly made $70 million last year. I’m sure that figure will only grow as more races become available in the United States and internationally. These races were influenced by earlier European challenges and have now grown to become unique in their own right. The Warrior Dash is probably the most fun. I’ve never competed in one, I’ve just done it with friends to have fun. The Tough Mudder is the cash cow, essentially a longer Warrior Dash. (The founder stole ideas from other people, but this is a well known fact.) The Spartan Races are the most challenging and offer everything from sprints to a death race that you need to qualify for by doing ridiculous things (Sprint, Spartan, Beast, Death Race) such as winning a Spartan Beast or being ex-special forces.

To get back to the point, Fit has signed us up for the Colorado Warrior Dash at Copper Mountain on August 17th. I usually register early and do the first heat of the day, but even doing early registration only the last heat was available. The bottom line is that we need to figure out a fun pair of costumes to put together for the race. I’ve raced as Aladdin, we’ve raced in Fit’s high school track uniforms, but we want something amazing. It can be heavy, it can be light, it can be serious or it can be silly. It doesn’t matter to us.  I’m not worried about the race itself. For anyone that is scared to participate in a Warrior Dash, it’s not much more than a 5k. The winners are always the strongest runners. The 140 pound men that are light on their feet. I’ve always gotten through the obstacles faster than anyone but I’m just not interested in the running part. So please don’t be afraid. If you can do a few assisted pullups, some pushups, and hold a steady pace on a 5k you can finish with flying colors. So don’t be scared and feel free to join us for the last heat of the race. If you show up and want to race with Hungry & Fit, we will make sure you finish, even if I carry you over the wall of flames.

Us in 2011

So please, fill out the comment section below with some fun suggestions of what Hungry and Fit should dress up as for this Warrior Dash. No ideas are bad ideas and being creative is all a part of staying hungry and fit!

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