What is this topic? It is the rising popularity of events involving the use of obstacles. Mud Run, Tough Mudder, Warrior Dash, Zombie Run, and the names and splinters go on and on, and on.
Now it needs to be stated that I am fairly old-school in how I view running. I like to run, that is it. Some of the cross training stuff appeals to the fitness side of me. But given the choice I would rather be out just doing miles. This is not for everyone, I grant that. This whole essay was inspired by the Warrior Dash that took place nearby last weekend. After seeing Facebook posts/pictures, Tweets, and having friends ask me about it, I really wanted to get my thoughts down.
The reason I am not against these new events entirely is because they get people active. That will NEVER, EVER be a bad thing in my mind. The more folks who put down their Cheetos, turn off Dr. Phil, and get some fresh air the better off society will be. Odds are also really good that some small percent of those people will turn to running in a pure form. Let’s face it, there is no better way to get in shape than to run. More runners=better world. Plain and simple. But there is something about these events that seems to rub me the wrong way. Which is tough because I will likely find myself on the starting line of one of these events some day. Thus my conflict.
I can trace this conflict back to an advertisement I saw when these race first started popping up. I forget the event, but the tagline was something along the lines of “IS THE MARATHON NOT TOUGH ENOUGH FOR YOU ANYMORE?”. That pissed me off, a lot. Anyone who has ever trained for and completed a marathon should be pissed off by that statement also. I would rather have an event be tough because the event is tough. Not because you put man-made crap in my way or for me to go through or go over or around or whatever. A marathon is tough because it is a long ways. Living History is tough because you are running through what nature is putting in your way. Leadville is wacko because you have X number of mountain passes to contend with. But I think my reasons extend even further than that.
Many of these events are national based and have no regard for the local scene. Case in point. The previously mentioned Warrior Dash was held the same weekend as the Lincoln Havelock Run which was in its 34th edition. Warrior Dash is a for profit organization, which by itself is not a problem (Market to Market is in the same category). The difference is that participation in Havelock, a charity run, was WAY down this year. Money that is paid into your local road generally goes right back into the community. If someone could tell me where the money goes ($45+ for a a 3 mileish course) for Warrior Dash that would be great. Generally when a new race comes around (Witness to Wellness, Run for the Homeless, etc) they try to be courteous to existing events. Not so with many of these new events.
There might even be a bigger issue than those two at play here. This is something that has been bouncing around in my apparently not being used enough head for a few months now. What do you want from entering a race? An event or an experience or something else? Can a race be an event and an experience at the same time? Please chime in. With the increased exposure to more people the nature of races is changing. More and more folks want the bands, the huge swag bag, the post-race kegs, the mud, the everything but racing it seems. Are those events better than when you pay $10, maybe get a shirt, maybe get an ice cream pop? Are you a fan of low key events or bigger ones? I keep coming back to increased participation in physical fitness, but I am not sure the cost to local running is worth it.
I too usually run a race because I enjoy running and competing. I did the mud run 2 years ago and it was terrible. The majority of these “races” are extremely ovepriced and in my opinion make a mockery of “real racing.” Many might disagree with that but thats how I feel.
Bwandzi – don’t post on Ndorfnz any longer but still read logs and such so wanted to reply from an old guy casual runner perspective. I too am torn – these types of runs get people out and moving but I know far too many that, for them, the actual event was their only time running. No training runs, no follow up runs. So how much do they benefit? I don’t know. It’s a little selfish, I know, but I’m out there every day slogging away at my snail pace – but slogging nonetheless – and the people that get the comments from my co-workers are the novelty event particpants. They aren’t lifestyle changing programs like training for a marathon or half marathon or something much of the masses involved in these events should be doing for their health. I think these will be passing fads that will fade away in a few years like many things in life. For me, run as much as I can to ward off the undertaker, keep my weight down, and relieve stress. And try to run an occassional road race just to have a goal and motivation.
Are you sure “More runners=better world?” I like being part of the “1%” when it comes to the physical fitness of society. (I’d like being part of the other 1% but that’s a different story.) If people want to pay large sums of money for a half hour of “fun,” so be it. Nobody has a gun to my head to join in so you won’t see me there. As the director of the “No Frills” series where our entry fee will be $3 again for the 20th year, and director of a track meet series where I don’t feel I can justify more than a buck per event, I guess you know where I stand. Old School is not dead, Brian. It’s just losing it’s popularity. And I am fine with that.
First off, I am much more excited about cheaper events with good competition that I am with expensive “show” races. That being said, I am competitive by nature and want to beat as many as possible in the big meets (Lincoln) or the small ones (1 mile fun run).
Tbirdxc, where can I find more info on the No Frills series or track meet series?
Word around my office is that the Warrior Dash donates all proceeds to a charity in the surrounding area. For the Ashland race, St. Jude was the alleged recipient of $1 million raised by the race. I thought the number seemed high, but $1 million divided by the 20K runners comes out to approx $50/runner. It seems possible that at least a portion of the proceeds were donated.