General Questions

• What is The Great American Mud Run?

  The Great American Mud Run is America’s muddiest 5K obstacle course race.

• Why should I choose The Great American Mud Run?

  With the growing number of adventure challenge races flooding the market, it’s tough to tell which ones are worthy of spending your hard earned money and time on. We pride ourselves on offering the greatest racing experience imaginable. Please see our about us page to understand what we mean when we say “GREAT”

• What is The Great American Mud Run philosophy?

  We like Mud. We like Obstacles. We like to have a lot of Fun. The Great American Mud Run is not just a race, it’s an experience. There’s a “Great” in our name for a reason!

• Is this like other mud run events?

  No. While there are some other great events out there, none come close to offering the experience you’ll find at The Great American Mud Run. You will be pushed, you will get muddy, and you will smile – a lot! And just in case people don’t believe you when you tell them what you did, we provide you with high resolution digital images for FREE! “I wish I could pay $20 for a digital race image” said no one ever.

• What is the average time to complete the course?

  The average finish time is about 57 minutes. For our elite waves the average finish time is about 34 minutes.

• How long is the course?

  The Great American Mud Run is a 5K. While course distances may vary slightly from venue to venue, the average course will be about 3.1 miles in length.

• Is there an age limit?

  Yes, in order to compete participants must be 18 years or older on race day. There are no exceptions to the age limit, as it is set by our insurance provider. Parents, this means there is absolutely, positively, without a doubt no way we can allow your minor to participate in the event. Uncool, but good things come to those who wait!

• Is The Great American Mud Run timed?

  Yes, and we use the best timing company in the USA to time and score our events. Each participant will be given a timing chip and wristband at packet pick-up. You will secure this chip to your wrist using the wristband. There are mats at the start and finish that will record your start and finish time when crossed. Don’t worry it’s a super easy process that doesn’t require advanced physics, unless you don’t know how to properly don a wrist watch!

• Does everyone start at the same time?

  Heck no, this ain’t your average 5K. The Great American Mud Run starts waves of 250-300 participants every half hour throughout the day. If you want to run with a friend or as a team, just make sure that everyone selects the same start wave during registration. You’ll be able to select which start wave you want during the registration process, but the earlier ones fill up fast so don’t procrastinate. For our elite wave, we stagger the start to ensure that our competitive athletes don’t face any lines at obstacles – awesome we know!

• How much does it cost?

  Registration for all events starts at $65 per person. The earlier you register the cheaper the registration fee. To find the current price for any event simply visit the event page for that race. Registration fees and increases are posted in the event details section.

• What’s include with my registration fee?

  • Free beer*
  • America’s greatest obstacle course race with plenty of mud
  • Great American Mud Run t-shirt
  • Custom Great American Mud Run finisher award
  • Post race fruit and water
  • Access to the All-American After-Party
  • Free unlimited high-resolution digital event pictures

  * One beer is provided for each participant of legal drinking age. Be responsible – Don’t drink and drive.

• Do I really get to download unlimited digital event pictures for free?

  You betcha you do. We feel that having the ability to share your muddy memories visually through images is very important. Plus, we’re tired of going to events and having to pay $20 or more just to get a digital file to share on facebook. One more reason why The Great American Mud Run is great!

• How physically fit do I have to be to participate?

  Our participants come from all walks of life. Some are super athletes (or CrossFitters as they like to call themselves), while others have never before run in their lives. Our courses are designed to be challenging for both the beginner and the advanced athlete. As with any physical activity, we aren’t your doctor so be sure to check with him/her prior to signing up.

• How do I train for The Great American Mud Run?

  There are many great training programs out there. We recommend anything that is considered functional fitness. Sorry, aerobics doesn’t count, unless you own a pair of those awesome socks.

• Who created The Great American Mud Run?

  Dudes with mustaches and sideburns and chicks with boots and pigtails! That’s all we have to say about that.

• What is the Elite start wave?

  For those participants looking for a competitive race, we offer elite registration. While all participants are timed, only elite participants are scored and eligible for awards. Elite registration costs an additional $10. This additional cost is to deter non-elite athletes from registering for elite waves. Bottom line – if you’re in it to win it, register for an elite wave.

• What are the divisions for the Elite start wave?

  • Men’s Open
  • Women’s Open

• Are there awards?

  Yes, but in order to qualify for an award you must register for an elite wave. The Great American Mud Run awards the top 3 participants in each division. Did we mention those awards include cash? $200 to 1st place, $100 to second place, and $75 to third place.

• Do you have any other awards?

  Yes we have the Patriot Awards. These include:

  • Best Costume
  • Most Patriotic Costume
  • Best mustache
  • Best pigtails
  • Most Neon Costume
  • Largest team
  • The Wounded Wear Patriot who raised the most money for Wounded Wear

Registration Basics

• The registration center.

  100% of the information that you need to register, confirm your registration, or to edit your registration can be found in our registration center. It’s basically a registration oracle. Go there now and change your life forever.

• How do I register?

  Registration is easy. Just select the race you are interested in, and then choose the registration option that works for you: run by yourself, create a team, or join an existing team. It’s always better with two or more. You can start by selecting your race location here.

• Do I have to sign a waiver to participate?

  Yes, all participants must bring a signed and dated waiver with them to packet pickup on race day, and digitally accept the waiver during the registration process.

• Can I register by mail or phone?

  Um no, if you’re reading this answer then you are more than capable of interacting with our registration system. Don’t be afraid, it doesn’t bite.

• Can I switch to a sold out start wave?

  No question is a stupid question. In this case “sold out” means there is absolutely, positively no more room left in that start wave, not even for just one more person. Alleviate the pain and suffering of not racing with your team by registering early.

• Is there a deadline that I must register by?

  Yes, each race page will list the race’s registration deadline. These deadlines are deader than dirt and once they pass, you miss out.

• Can I edit my registration?

  Yes, certain fields can be edited. Please visit our registration center for more info.

• Can I change my start time?

  Yes, you can. Please visit the registration center and follow the link labeled “Change your start time.” Please note that when a wave is sold out, it is sold out so there is no way for you to transfer into it.

• Where can I find my registration confirmation?

  First, check your email as a confirmation email is sent upon successfully registering. If you can’t find it there, please visit our registration center for complete details.

• Is there team registration?

  Absolutely. No one wants to participate in America’s muddiest 5K by themselves, ok well except for that one guy who likes to wear a fanny pack. Please see below for team details.

• I registered as an individual, can I transfer to a team?

  Yes, once registered as an individual you can elect to join a team. Please visit our registration center for complete details.

Team Registration

• What is the Team Captain Promotion?

  It’s the coolest promotion ever! Create a team, get additional people to register and receive The Great American Mud Run Official Training Kit (a $50 value). For complete details and eligibility click here.

• I think I’m eligible for the Team Captain Promotion, what do I have to do?

  Nothing! Once the team captain promo deadline passes (listed on each race page), our staff will determine who is eligible. Team Captains who are eligible will receive the Official Training Kit to the address entered during the registration process. It’s as easy as that.

• How many people can be on a team?

  You can have as few as one or as many friends as you would like. There is no maximum. About that one person team – what’s the point of creating a team if it is only going to be you? If you are participating by yourself, register as an individual.

• How do I create a team?

  Simply, click on the “Create your own team” button in the “Register Now” section on the race page for the race you want to join.

• Are team names unique?

  Yes, team names cannot be duplicated – sorry to all you honey badger fans.

• Can a team name be changed?

  Yes, the team captain is able to edit the team name at any time. Visit the Registration Center for more info.

• Can the team captain password protect the team?

  Yes, during registration the team captain will set a password for the team.

• Can teammates start at different times?

  Yes, we time individuals, not teams. So, teammates don’t all have to start in the same start wave, but honestly we aren’t really sure why any team would not want to start together.

• Do teams have to finish together?

  No, but who wants to be that gal who leaves a teammate behind.

• What’s the point of a team?

  What’s the point of holding hands while walking on the beach on a starry night? You want to share the experience. There is no better experience to share than The Great American Mud Run, ok well maybe there is one other, but that aside; mud, tears, smiles, and beer. It doesn’t get much better than that.

Discounts, Refunds, and Transfers

• Does The Great American Mud Run offer any discounts?

  Who doesn’t love discount codes? However, we’ve noticed an ugly thing – some events inflate their registration prices then generate huge amounts of discount codes for the participant to use. We once saw a discount for $15 off a mud run if you died your dog’s hair orange. While mildly amusing, we aren’t into gimmicks. We offer a superior racing experience, and have set our prices to reflect this. We don’t know of another mud run out there that offers free unlimited high resolution race images at the quality that we do. The only discount we offer is for military members. We enjoying waking up every morning knowing that we are free to do whatever we would like because there are men and women selflessly placing their lives on the line to defend that freedom. Thank You.

• Does The Great American Mud Run offer a military discount?

  Yes, and it is the only discount we offer. We enjoying waking up every morning knowing that we are free to do whatever we would like because there are men and women selflessly placing their lives on the line to defend that freedom. As a thank you to military service members we offer a $10 military discount. Our military discount is exclusively offered through Troop Swap. To receive the military discount code please visit our Troop Swap page and click “Get Discount.” Please note you will be required to create an account with Troop Swap in order to verify your military credentials prior to accessing the discount code.

• Does The Great American Mud Run offer refunds?

  No, all registration fees are non refundable and non transferable, no exceptions.

• I’ve been injured and am unable to participate can I get a refund?

  Unfortunately, as stated above we do not offer refunds for any reason.

• Can I transfer my registration to someone else?

  No, The Great American Mud Run registrations are non refundable and non transferable. The person who signs up must be the same person who participates.

• Can I transfer my registration to another Great American Mud Run event?

  Yes, you can transfer your registration to any future Great American Mud Run for which registration is currently open. Please note all transfers must be made by the transfer deadline listed on each race page. You will incur an additional $15 transfer fee plus any difference in the registration price at the time of transfer. Please visit the registration center to make a transfer.

Parking and Lodging

• Is parking available onsite?

  Yes, parking is available onsite and costs $10 per vehicle, cash only.

• Where can I find lodging for each race?

  On each race page you’ll find a lodging link with discounted rates for The Great American Mud Run participants. Click it and select one of The Great American Mud Run partner hotels, and make your reservation. Don’t wait until the last minute as we only block out a limited number of rooms at each hotel. The longer you wait the more you’ll have to pay, or worse, you won’t be able to hang where all the cool people are hanging out.

• Can I camp?

  Currently, The Great American Mud Run doesn’t offer a camping option, but stay tuned for future announcements.

What to Bring

• What do I need to bring with me on race day?

  • A valid photo ID. You will not be permitted to participate without it, no exceptions.
  • A signed copy of the waiver. You can download the participant waiver from each race page.
  • A pair of running shoes. They will get muddy, so leave the bright white pair of Adidas you just bought from the Jersey Shore at home.
  • Snug fitting athletic clothing. Cotton is bad, real bad. We recommend wearing any type of performance or wicking fabric out there. We typically see tons of spandex. We are still trying to decide if that is a good thing or not.
  • A change of clothes. We provide showers and changing rooms onsite. Remember these are field showers, so leave your rubber ducky at home.
  • Cash. While the first beer is on us, you’ll need cash to purchase additional food, beverages, and some of the greatest mud run merchandise ever at The Great American Mud Run merchandise tent.

• Can I bring spectators with me?

  Yes, and the best part is that we don’t charge a spectator fee. Bring all your friends, heck even bring granny, she’ll get a kick out of the stuff that goes on in the festival area.

• Can I bring my children?

  Yes, and we even have some great inflatables that they can have fun on too.

• Can I bring my pet with me?

  We love dogs. Cats, not so much, but unfortunately all your pets have to stay at home. Thanks in advance for your cooperation.

• Do you have a bag check onsite?

  Yes, a bag check will be available for small personal items such as keys, wallets, etc. We ask that all participants leave their large bags and extra clothing in their cars.

Event Day

• When should I arrive on race day?

  We require all participants to arrive at least one hour prior to your start wave.

• When is packet pick up?

  Packet pick up will be available on site and will open one hour prior to the start of the first wave. Please bring a valid photo ID with you to packet pick-up. You’ll also need to bring a signed and dated copy of the participant waiver. While waivers will be available on site we encourage all participants to print out the waiver and sign and date it prior to arriving. This will save time and make the check-in process that much faster.

• Where do I pick up my race packet?

  All participants must check in at the registration tent upon arriving. Please bring a valid photo ID and copy of a signed and dated participant waiver with you.

• Will there be medical support onsite?

  Yes, there will be medical support located in the festival area as well as stationed throughout the course.

• Can I wear a costume?

  You bet! Please see the general question above relating to our Patriot Awards.

• What happens if the weather is bad?

  While The Great American Mud Run is a rain or shine event, if the safety of participants is in any way compromised, the event team will make the determination as to how to proceed. Your safety is our primary concern.

Course and Obstacles

• Will there be water stations along the course?

  Yes there will be adequate water stations along the course on race day. Please note that hydration during the race is meant for replenishment, and if you show up dehydrated, you are putting yourself and others at risk. Please be sure to drink plenty of water prior to, during, and after your race. Clear pee is good pee!

• How many obstacles are there?

  The Great American Mud Run has thirteen awesome obstacles. Oh, and we don’t count running through streams, climbing hills, or running through the forest as official obstacles! Really, who does that? To see a complete list of our obstacles and pictures click here.

• Do you provide course maps?

  Honestly, dropping thirteen points onto a map and connecting it with a line does no one justice. Just know that the course will be about 3.1 miles, will have our thirteen awesome obstacles, and will make you laugh more than you can imagine. Check out our obstacles here.

• What happens if I can’t complete an obstacle?

  Nothing, The Great American Mud Run is designed to be as challenging as you want it to be. With that said, if you get to an obstacle that you are unable or unwilling to complete you can simply skip it and continue on the course. However, if you’re registered in an elite wave, you will be required to complete all obstacles.

• Can I get help on an obstacle or can I help someone else?

  Of course. Finishing The Great American Mud Run is about creating awesome muddy memories on the course. If you need help or want to provide help to another participant we highly encourage it. Some obstacles are designed to force you to work together.

• I’m scared of mud. What should I do?

  Immediately SIgn Up for The Great American Mud Run, then send us a thank you email.

The Great American Mud Run Festival

• What is there to do at The Great American Mud Run festival?

  After your race the fun continues at the All-American after party complete with live music, beer, food, and other beverages. Kids can have fun at the inflatable attractions, and don’t forget to stick around for the Patriot Awards.

• Will there be music?

  Yes there will be a mix of live music and music played by a DJ so bring your dancing shoes.

• Will there be food and beverages for sale?

  Yes there will be plenty of great food available for sale.

• Will there be beer?

  Of course, this is a mud run. Be sure to bring extra cash with you on race day and remember to drink responsibly.

• Can I bring outside food and beverage with me?

  No outside food or beverage is permitted inside the event grounds.

Post Event

• Where can I download my free high resolution digital images?

  A link to download unlimited free high resolution digital images will be available on each race page.

• When will the pictures be ready for download?

  Our photographers are super anal. They want to make sure that the pictures you are getting are worthy of framing and not just some crappy shot that you happen to be running in. With that said, typically pictures will be ready for download 5-7 days after the event.

• Where can I find the results?

  A link to the race results will be available post race on the race page. Typically results are posted online during the event which means by the time you get home you’ll be able to facebook your time to your entire network. Kiosks, that allow you to look up your time, are also available onsite just incase you are one of those people that just can’t wait OMG, LMAO!

• I didn’t, couldn’t, forgot to purchase merchandise on event day please help.

  Fashion crisis! First take a deep breath, then say “how now fat cow” seventeen times. Now that you are relaxed and in a zen-like state, you can head over to our online merchandise store and shop till you drop.

Volunteers

• How can I volunteer?

  We are always looking for great volunteers. You can see what volunteer positions and shifts are available by clicking here and selecting the event you are interested in volunteering for. As a volunteer you’ll receive some great swag (see below) as well as a discounted registration to use toward any future race.

• How old do I have to be to volunteer?

  All volunteers must be 18 years or older on race day.

• I have a group that would like to volunteer.

  The Great American Mud Run offers certain volunteer groups monetary donations to their charity or cause. Please contact our Volunteer Coordinator to see if your group qualifies.

• What do I get as a volunteer?

  Volunteers are critical to the success of The Great American Mud Run and as such we take care of our volunteers. All volunteers receive:

  • A 50% discount to any future Great American Mud Run event. Pretty awesome – we know.
  • Breakfast or lunch upon arriving on event day. You need to be fueled up in order to cheer on our participants!
  • Custom volunteer t-shirt
  • Water and snacks
  • Access to the All-American after party with beer, food, and live music.
  • One free beer for volunteers who are of legal drinking age. (Available after your volunteer shift).
  • The ability to make a participants day by providing encouragement and motivation along the race course.
  • Free parking!

  Volunteer Now!

• Can I use my 50% volunteer discount for the race I volunteer at?

  No. As a volunteer you receive a 50% discount good to any future event.

Charity Partner

• Is The Great American Mud Run partnered up with a charity?

  Yes, The Great American Mud Run is a proud supporter of Wounded Wear. We encourage all participants to help raise money for Wounded Wear. If you raise $100 or more you’ll become a Wounded Wear Patriot, and you’ll receive a commemorative “Wounded Wear Patriot” t-shirt.

• Who is Wounded Wear?

  Wounded Wear’s mission is to raise the national awareness of the sacrifice of wounded warriors, their families, and the families of fallen service members. In support of this mission Wounded Wear advocates on behalf and facilitates opportunities for those who have sacrificed so much, as well as providing free fashionable clothing kits and modifications to wounded warriors that empower them to rediscover the hero within. Read more here.

• How do I raise funds for Wounded Wear?

  When you register for The Great American Mud Run, an online fundraising link will be provided in your confirmation email. You can also click here to get started now.

Contact The Great American Mud Run

• How can I contact The Great American Mud Run?

  We are pretty sure every question you could possibly ask is listed in our FAQ section; however, we know there are some of you out there who love to receive email responses. So please fill out the contact us form below and you’ll hear back from us shortly.