Terrain Mud Runs held their Signature Event last weekend in Flagstaff Arizona. Set on Fort Tuthill County Park at 7000 ft in the Ponderosa Pines Terrain Racing offered two course distances of a 5k, 10k, and 1/2 mile kids course. It was a fun and challenging event for all ages and athletic abilities. The perfect weekend adventure for the entire family or as we have come to call it in the OCR Community, #RaceCation.
The Venue
Fort Tuthill County Park is used for various activities including equestrian training, camping, biking and is home to Flagstaff Extreme Adventure Course a zip line obstacle course that is suspended 30 ft high in the trees. If you plan on camping and or checking out Flagstaff Extreme I recommend making reservations in advance.
The Course
Terrain Racing took full advantage of the Natural Terrain with a mix of single track trails and even incorporated many of the permanent horse jumps utilizing them as obstacles through out the course. The race started with athletes standing in large bins of water about waist high . The Emcee , Lashay R. Marks, pumped up the racers with enthusiasm before releasing the athletes onto the course.
Obstacles included cargo climbs, tunnel crawls, a wreck bag carry, wall jumps, rope climbs, a tire carry, tarzan swing, Tyrolean rope traverse, tire flips, slides, bucket carry, and monkey bars. The 10k and 5k course began together until about mid point in the 5k where it splits and later meeting again near the end.
The course was very spectator friendly. Part of the running sections even passed by my campsite. Obstacles were safe, well managed, and the course was clearly marked. I arrived a couple days prior to the race and was given the opportunity to preview the course and even help with various tasks such as building a low crawl in a mud pit. I spent some time with Joseph Smith J.R. and he shared his thoughts on the course build and Terrain Mud Runs.
Q: What is your role with Terrain Mud Runs and your inspiration for the course?
A: ” As of yet, there is no official title other than course designer. I ended up marking the course prior to build and managing the course during the event. Helping runners, assisting volunteers, managing crew, managing and repairing obstacles and tasks. I wore many hats during this event. I think it was Jerry's way if seeing what I could do and what I could bring to the company.
Being a competitive OCR athlete myself, I wanted to design a course that would elevate Terrain from just a “mud run” to an OCR event that would prepare people who are afraid of, or afraid they “weren't ready” for, a spartan or tough mudder. I wanted people to start talking about Terrain Racing as an important race to attend and be memorable.
I'd love to see Terrain reach the level of those other guys as far as challenge but still maintain a level of fun. NO DRAMA! NO corporate feel.
It's a family business and I hope that never changes! ”
The course had more of an intermediate feel of an OCR rather than your traditional mud runs. The 5k and 10k options allowed for racers to decide for themselves which level of endurance and challenge to Conquer.
The Festival Area
The Festival Area had everything one could want in a post race expierience. Friends, Food, Camarederie, Music and Beer all under the canopy of the beautiful pines and the Zipline adventure course. Speaking of Beer, Mother Road Brewery was the beer vendor which served an exceptional selection of their finest. I also had the opportunity to preview their selection. I highly recommend Lost Highway. It's dark rich flavor hits the spot. Other notable vendors included X Race Wear, and Icebug USA.
Closing Thoughts
Terrain Mud Runs exceeded my expectations. Jerry Foreman , Race Director at Terrain Mud Runs, and his Team worked together to provide racers with an Awesome race experience. Great Course, Great Obstacles, Great Staff, and overall a great day of Terrain Racing. The Venue and Family friendly Race make this race destination a must do for any Obstacle Course Racer looking to get away for a weekend adventure with family or friends. Imagine sitting under the stars around a campfire with your OCR friends talking about everything OCR. How awesome is that? Mark your calendars for next year and make Terrain Mud Runs your #RaceCation destination and Conquer Your Terrain!
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