By Jamie Lim
Reporter

For most runners, 3 miles is nothing. What about a 3.24-mile race with water, fire and run-down trailers blocking your way? Yes, trailers. Now that’s a challenge.

The Warrior Dash, an event hosted by Red Frog Events, is the world’s largest running series.

The race challenges participants to challenge themselves, not only physically, but mentally as well.

“Warrior Dash is not your standard 5K race,” Warrior Dash race director Kendra Alley said. “Whether it’s a superhero, medieval knight or Smurf, Warrior Dash gives people the opportunity to express their inner warrior. It’s the freedom to let loose, dress up in costumes, eat a turkey leg, get muddy. That makes you fall in love with Warrior Dash.”

There are three locations this year in Texas: East, North and Central. For those ready to take on the challenge, the next race will be held April 21 and 22 at DFW Adventure Park in North Texas.

Larry Lipscomb, the owner of DFW Adventure Park, described the event as huge.

“[Warrior Dash has] an enormous following and enormous turnout. I have 170 acres here, but it couldn’t handle all the parking that would have to be done on that,” Lipscomb said.

Before racers can cross the finish line, they will have to overcome 14 obstacles.

Participants will have to climb cargo nets, crawl under barbed wire and leap over fire.

“Each Warrior Dash venue has new challenges and obstacles,” Alley said. “Race directors see the site and then work with contractors to utilize the land in the best way to get participants running, ducking, climbing and crashing through a course that will test every muscle in their body.”

Runners are expected to complete all 14 obstacles. If for any reason a runner fails to complete an obstacle, he or she will be disqualified from any awards.

However, all runners, including those who don’t overcome every obstacle, will receive their finisher medals.

“In terms of rating mud runs, this is really cool,” Lipscomb said, “There are some tougher ones out there that are geared more towards really athletic people. This one is more accommodating for a broader spectrum of the public.”

The price for participants was $75 for April 21 and $65 for April 22. These prices also covered the package participants will pick up on the day of their race.

The package will consist of a warrior helmet, Warrior Dash shirt, custom finisher medal, runner bib with safety pins, chip timer and any other merchandise purchased online.

Furthermore, runners will also receive a post-run snack of bananas and water.

Participants also have the opportunity to become a St. Jude Warrior.

This program encourages St. Jude Warriors to fundraise at least $250.

The program will also provide fundraising and training tips to those who choose to be a St. Jude Warrior.

“Great Urban Race, which is another one of our running series, sponsored St. Jude Children’s Research hospital since 2007 and we wanted to make a larger impact,” Alley said. “Now all three of our running series gives participants the opportunity to raise money for St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.”

If participants were successful with their fundraising, they were given access to the St. Jude Warrior tent.

Within the tent will be free food and drinks, bag check and private showers and bathrooms.

“Warrior Dash hopes to raise more than $1 million for St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital with the help of the 2012 participants,” Alley said.

If runners choose not to partake in the St. Jude Warriors Program, they will still be able to get training tips for the race.

On the Warrior Dash’s official website, it provides helpful training videos for legs, upper body, full body and more.

Those who did not register for racing are still encouraged to come to the event. They will be able to partake in the festivities at the event, which include live music and food.

The bands for the North Texas Warrior Dash will be Live 80 and Da Hit Mob.

Registration for the race was only available online. When registering, a participant had to choose a wave time, which is the time he or she will begin the race. Wave times are from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. at 30-minute intervals.

Each wave time will consist of runners from each age division. There are five different age divisions for men and women: 14-19, 20-29, 30-39, 40-49, 50-59 and 60+.

For those interested in racing but did not make the deadline this year, there will be another Warrior Dash in Central Texas on November 10.