OT: Warrior Dash

RivaDawg

Junior
Feb 26, 2008
825
355
63
I'm doing the Warrior Dash in Jackson on April 20th. Don't really know what to expect, just plan to have a good time. Any suggestions, tips, observations would be appreciated.
 

seshomoru

Junior
Apr 24, 2006
5,574
257
83
Have fun with it.

You're gonna get filthy, and if you're going off in a late wave you'll be out there a looooong time trying to get through the mud pits and up the slopes after them (they're slick like ice after a while). It's way more fun to go through it with friends instead of treating it like a race. It's basically an adult mud playground. Also, get to the shuttle that takes you there way, way early.

It was sponsored by Monster Energy Drink and Miller Lite, so that'll give you an idea of the type party that'll be going on. Maybe it's your bag, maybe it isn't.
 

aTotal360

Heisman
Nov 12, 2009
21,692
14,284
113
Did it last year. Here are my pro-tips...

If you have a gf/fiancee/wife, bring some heavily mirrored sunglasses. Talent galore.
Don't take it seriously because no one else does. I'd suggest dressing up. I was surprised how many people ran in a costume.
Run in an old ****** pair of shoes and donate them to the pile when you are done. They get sent to some charity. Take a pair of flip flops to wear back.
The obstacles are designed to be difficult for women that are at minimum 75 lbs over weight.
Don't train for it. No need.
Take a backpack and pack spare underwear, shorts, and tshirt.
Plan on waiting in a lines for a long time. When they say get there 2 hours before your flight, they mean it. It took us 90 minutes to park, get on a bus (long line), get to the course, and finally register.
Honestly, you can run in any flight you want to. After you register, you can just walk up to the mass of people and take off when they fire the gun.
Sign up for the Warrior Dash Facebook app. They give you an RFID tag to put on your shoe and there are automated cameras aroudn the course that take your picture and tag you in it. It's pretty cool.
Eat at Five Guys on your way back home.
 
Aug 18, 2009
1,107
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The only thing I have to add to what the others already said is to not wear anything out there that you aren't willing to just throw away (or donate in the case of your shoes) after the race. I tossed every scrap of clothing I had on. So be sure to bring fresh clothes.

If its not cold like it was last year, the party may be pretty fun. Unfortunately it was 50 degrees so everyone was ready to get back on the bus afterwards. I recommend a giant turkey leg and large beer after the race whether you are ready to get home or not.
 

Dawghouse

Senior
Sep 14, 2011
1,121
943
113
be sure and make an extended visit to the "washing" area. Last year it was a trailer with some guys standing on top spraying giant water hoses. The water was cold and the scenery was glorious.

and I can't stress enough, GET THERE EARLY. I got to the coliseum about 2 hours early and by the time i registered and was ready I had about 15 minutes before my wave started. Unfortunately I had to leave shortly after the race so I can't give any after race tips.
 

KurtRambis4

Redshirt
Aug 30, 2006
15,926
0
36
It's ok.

The problem I had was that there were way too many people there that were just there for fun. They constantly were in the way. I was glad I did it, but I'm not going again.

Oh yeah and as others have said, tons of talent. Hell I might just go for that.
 

Dawghouse

Senior
Sep 14, 2011
1,121
943
113
You should look into one of the more serious races if you want to avoid people there for fun (tough mudder, spartan race, really anything over a 5k as that seems to be the limit for us fat people) . The warrior dash is 90% people for fun and 10% serious runners (completely made up statistics).

My goal last year was to finish before someone from the next wave caught me. Half way through the race I realized the 3 girls in our group were not going to allow me to accomplish that goal. Watching those girls crawl through mud holes was 1000x better than beating the wave behind me.
 

kired

All-Conference
Aug 22, 2008
7,002
2,321
113
Just a few things I would add to the advice already given.

Wear tight fitting clothes. Last year we dressed up like white trash and I had on baggy cutoff blue jean shorts. They weighed a ton with all the mud and I had to hold them up the whole race.

Might want to have a jug of water in your car to do a little extra clean off before the drive home. Also may want to have towels for your car seats. You can clean off pretty good with the fire hoses and changing clothes, but you'll still have a little dirt until you take a real shower.

I've heard people recommend gloves to get better grip on the ropes... the ropes were slick as snot last year and completely useless on the wall climb. I suppose some thin gloves with good grip might help. Not sure if I'm going to try wearing any or not... Also saw people duct tape their shoes so they don't come off in the mud. But I don't remember having any issues with mine coming off.

Bring water & a snack bar or something in your bag. I can't remember if they had post race snacks - seems like maybe they at least had bananas and water. It'll take at least 3-4 hours to park, ride bus, race, and get back to your vehicle. We took the free beer but skipped buying a turkey leg and just went to eat in Jackson.

If anyone is coming with you just as a spectator they will have fun watching people at the end, but be sure they dress accordingly. They'll be walking around in what's basically a large field. And they'll likely get some mud splashed on them. Let them take pictures of you because the ones from Warrior Dash will cost more than anyone wants to pay. And on that note don't take a camera, phone, or MP3 player unless you're sure it can survive mud pits and water.

And just have fun. It will be super slick. Don't be an idiot & do something stupid to hurt yourself (knee, ankle, etc). It's not dangerous but I saw a few people who got banged up.
 

RivaDawg

Junior
Feb 26, 2008
825
355
63
Thanks for all of the responses, very helpful. I'm definitely planning to have fun and am not taking this seriously.
 

greenbean.sixpack

All-American
Oct 6, 2012
8,745
8,001
113
Unless I am reading something wrong, parking this year will be onsite, not at the coliseum? A buddy of mine said a friend got the contract to clear the and and lay gravel.


It is not an athletic competition, but more of an event. Kids to overweight grandmothers will be running it.
 

weblow

Redshirt
Mar 3, 2008
2,860
3
38
Unless I am reading something wrong, parking this year will be onsite, not at the coliseum? A buddy of mine said a friend got the contract to clear the and and lay gravel.


It is not an athletic competition, but more of an event. Kids to overweight grandmothers will be running it.

This is correct, no buses this year.
 

kired

All-Conference
Aug 22, 2008
7,002
2,321
113
Glad you posted this - there's a pretty good chance I would have just pulled into the coliseum about 8am. I signed up months and haven't thought about it since.