12 Tips You Need to Know Before Your 1st Mud Race

A mud race can be intimidating to sign up for when you don’t know what to expect.

Here are some tips to make your first mud race a memorable and enjoyable experience.

1.  Have Fun!

This is not an Olympic trial run. Keep in mind that fun is the 1st priority.

2.  Fun runs draw a different crowd

There are still some serious competitors at these races but overall a fun run brings in runners of all ages, shapes, sizes, and athletic abilities.

This type of race draws people who want to share a unique and memorable experience together.

My 1st 5k was a nighttime run on Halloween weekend.

My goal was to beat the drunk people or the runners attached to each other in a costume.

Success can look different for different people.

That night I passed the drunk guy and the 5 person attached costume team which equaled my first 5k success!

3.  Go with a theme

Everything is more fun with a theme!

The creativity for the costume and the prep work create excitement and anticipation before the event.

You can get lots of great ideas for race costumes from a little research on the internet.

There are many creative team names registered from old races listed.

If you want to win any contests you’ll need a costume that holds up for the race.

We won the costume contest partly because of our costume durability and attitude.

Our group was all smiles during the race and were cheered on and identified because of our costumes.

Bright colors and long crazy socks stand out in a crowd.

The attitude is also a huge part of the costume.

Whatever you are..own it.  From the parking lot to the finish line get into character to maximize your team’s presence.

4.  Try to avoid wearing cotton

It stretches and weighs you down after a while.  Typical running gear attire works best.  

I was also grateful we wore shorts instead of pants for our run.

5.  Bring extra safety pins to fasten down and secure your costume if needed

I had to repin my skirt tighter after a few obstacles.

You can always attach a few extra safety pins to your clothes before and adjust where needed once you get your new layers of mud.

6.  Pack These Items For the Race

These items are helpful for after a mud race:

• Garbage Bags and plastic grocery bags (multiple) to use for car seats, dirty clothes, wet clothes, dirty shoes
• Change of clothes including underwear
• Flip flops
• Baby wipes

Trust me your feet will feel better once your slimy socks are off.

You can set up a changing area in the parking lot by taking turns holding up towels.

You will feel so much better when you get out of your dirty clothes and your car upholstery will thank you for it.

7. Make sure you eat something and drink water before your run

You will need energy and fluids in your system.

8.  Bribe a non-runner to take pictures and hold your stuff

You might need to throw in a meal with a beverage or two.

The pictures and video from this event really help you relive your day.

It’s also nice to see familiar faces in the crowd.

It’s great to have someone nearby with your towel and gear without the wait of having to retrieve it from check-in.

You will want those muddy “after” pictures.

My husband has spectated at a few of my races with the boys and said that a mud race was the most enjoyable race he’s ever watched.

The runners provide a steady flow of entertainment.

Invite your chosen spectator to bring some extra clothes and join in on the mud pits after the race.

My kids were rewarded for their supportive spectating with a trip to the mud pit.

9.  It’s ok to walk when you need to

The running community is very supportive and not judgmental.

The bravery is just showing up.

You will not be the only one who walks.

Be in it to finish!

You don’t have to win it!

No one is thinking that this will be your fastest race ever.

10.  Run on the edges of the super swampy mud pits

Some people even duct tape their shoe laces so their shoes are even more secure.

We almost lost a team member’s shoe in the swamp pit.

You do not want that to happen.

11.  During the belly crawl mud challenge keep your mouth shut and keep a good amount of space between yourself and the foot in front of you.

You will eat less dirt and encounter fewer kicks to the face.

12.  Celebrate

Take it all in and enjoy the journey.

Years from now you will have stories to share with your grandkids.

Fun runs are all about sharing an experience together.

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