LA's Best Dirty Competitions
With these competitions, you can expect to be covered in more than just sweat after crossing the finish line. Mud runs, color runs and CrossFit races are becoming more popular every season. If you're looking for something more adventurous and out of the ordinary from your 5K/half marathon routine, try one of these events to test all of your skills.
Merrell Down & Dirty
Castaic Lake
32132 Castaic Lake Drive
Castaic, CA 91384
(818) 707-8866 ext. 31
Date: April 14
www.downanddirtymudrun.com
Bring a change of clothes and a towel to this race, where multiple rinse-off and changing stations forewarn you of the level of grime you can expect. This course challenges racers to everything from a slipper mountain of mud, to Marine hurdles, to sludgy push-ups and tire runs for participants who are looking for a CrossFit-type workout. The course runs both a 5K and 10K course of optional obstacles. Children ages 4 to 13 can enjoy the thrilling obstacles and a mud pit just their size on the one-mile Adventure Kids race (100-yard dash for the little kids). All racers big and small receive a T-shirt, race bib and medal.
Great Urban Race
Rocco's Tavern
3843 Main St.
Culver City, CA 90232
(773) 687-4595
Date: April 20
www.greaturbanrace.com
Teams of two to four adventure-seekers are set to solve a dozen problems that will challenge them mentally and physically. Besides the race toward cash prizes of up to $300, each participant can look forward to complimentary granola bars, water, bananas, a finisher's medal, a T-shirt and, for racers aged 21 or over, a beer courtesy of the crew. Public transportation and smart phones are allowed on this fast-paced race against the clock. Victorious competitors of this race may qualify to move on to the Championship course in Puerto Rico in December 2013.
Temecula Mud Run
38000 Highway 79 S.
Temecula, CA 92591
(951) 821-8785
Date: April 20
www.temecula-mudrun.com
Earthy meets classy at wine country's dirtiest event. Here is your chance to get your friends and family dressed up in their silliest costumes and ruin them in a mud pit. All the best local food, beer and wine vendors are available throughout the day. Fun and simple muddy obstacles are planned throughout the 5K course. Starting at the 10:40 a.m. wave, kids under age 13 can register to run with their parents.
Race/LA
1023 Hancock Ave., Suite 115
Los Angeles, CA 90069
(310) 360-6950
Date: May 4
www.racela.com
This "Amazing Race"-style scavenger hunt sends teams on a two-day adventure around the greater Los Angeles area. Teams of two to four have the unique chance to tour the city of Los Angeles' landmarks and neighborhoods, both famous and unknown. This hunt requires a lot of brainpower, but the three-hour time limit will test your stamina as well. Travel is mainly by car or on foot, but other methods are sometimes introduced.
The Color Run
Orange County Great Park
32 Discovery, Suite 160
Irvine, CA 92618
(855) 662-6567
Date: May 11
www.thecolorrun.com
For runners looking for a race that doesn't emphasize speed or vigor, but is messy and playful, the Color Run is a good choice. This 5K through Orange County is themed around the latest race fad. Participants stroll through the sunshine-filled OC streets as volunteers and spectators douse runners with colored starch. Dress code calls for a white shirt at the starting line, but that boring tee will soon morph into a psychedelic masterpiece after about three miles.
Related: Best CrossFit Studios In Los Angeles
Danielle Farve is a freelance writer covering all things Los Angeles. Her work can be found on Examiner.com.
