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Best Races For Getting Dirty Near Orange County

Survivor Mud Run header
(credit: Survivor Mud Run)

Dirty races through mud pits and obstacle courses are all the rage among competition runners and marathoners in Orange County. Clocking record speeds and medaling are secondary to belly-flopping into a pool of mud and making sure your running shoes stay on. Throughout the year, you'll find fun and challenging mud runs throughout Southern California. These are the best running competitions in the area if you're looking to get down and dirty while getting some great exercise in at the same time!

irvine lake mud run
(credit: Irvine Lake Mud Run)

Irvine Lake Mud Run
Oak Canyon Park
5305 Santiago Canyon Road
Silverado, CA 92676
www.irvinelakemudrun.com
Date: June 17, 2017 at 9am

Considered to be one of southern California's most scenic and challenging mud runs, The Irvine Lake Mud Run is also considered to be the preeminent mud run in Orange County and throughout the area. With rolling hills, green trees and a beautiful lake, it provides the best backdrop for this annual event that draws mud lovers from far and wide. Join the spectacle of runners in tutus, bridal gowns and other outrageous outfits as they jump over wooden hurdles, crawl through cargo nets, dive into pools of mud and to try not to get injured! What makes this event so much fun is that you can compete as an individual or as a team made up of your craziest family members and friends.

The Color Run
(credit: The Color Run)

The Color Run
Huntington State Beach
21601 Pacific Coast Hwy
Huntington Beach, CA 92646
www.thecolorrun.com
Date: October 7, 2017


Forget the mud! Racers looking for a brighter run can participate in The Color Run in Huntington Beach this year. The Color Run, the world's first color 5k and color dash event will leave you seeing rainbows by the end. Founded in 2011 as an event to promote healthiness and happiness by bringing the community together, they are considered the first paint race and created their own genre of running events that continues to grow year after year. Whether you're fast or slow, young or old, the only requirement to this race is to dash from the starting line in white running attire and finish doused in a rainbow of colors. Sign up today and you'll soon find yourself sprinting through clouds of color dust with wild packs of screaming runners.

world famous mud run
(credit: World Famous Mud Run)

Marine Corps Mud Run
Camp Pendleton, CA 92057
(760) 725-6836
www.worldfamousmudrun.com
Dates: June 10 & 11, 2017

If you've never been through boot camp, the world famous Marine Corps Mud Run at Camp Pendleton may be the next best thing. Stretched across a vast space, the Camp Pendleton course is famous for its hills and gritty obstacles. The obstacles in the run are all military inspired and include running through combat towns complete with U.S. Marine Corps vehicles and real Marines who are there to motivate you along the way.

tough mudder
(credit: Bjorn)

Tough Mudder
Polsa Rosa Ranch
5726 Soledad Canyon Rd
Acton , CA , 93510
www.toughmudder.com
Date: March 25 & 26, 2017
Tough Mudder is considered to be the ultimate challenge. So, if you're looking to really push yourself, this is certainly the mud run you'd want to push yourself through and prove to yourself, and your friends that you can undergo the ultimate challenge. You'll make friends for life at the same time as people look out for you along the way. Find yourself ready to give up? Tough Mudder is one of those races that will put it all into perspective for you. Challenge yourself to things you didn't think were possible with a little help from friends along the course. When you think you just don't have enough energy to go on, the friendly participants will help you along to this quintessential dirty race!

Survivor Mud Run
(credit: Survivor Mud Run)

Survivor Mud Run
500 E. Diamond Drive
Lake Elsinore, CA 92530
www.survivormudrun.com
Date: September 16, 2017

The Survivor Mud Run boasts one of the most extreme 5K mud runs ever created. Throughout the course, you'll be presented with obstacles which will test your ability to climb, jump, crawl and run while maintaining your mental determination. Only the most muddy participants with strength and stamina are said to survive. Even if you don't complete the course, you can walk away with a survivor T-shirt, snacks and free beer. The official race length reads at 3.37 hellish miles. Good luck!

Related: Best Running Clubs In OC

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