Mud dawgs
Litchfield race is muddier and wetter than ever
FUN | Nan Bulli
In recent years, the running world has witnessed a boom in obstacle courses, mud runs and other themed events. Adventure races have increasing appeal to a wide range of audiences because they present new challenges to seasoned runners and other athletes while also providing an exciting, social activity to non-runners.
The Big Dawg Dare is one such event, combining a mud run and obstacle course. Race director Brian Hollo invites central Illinois residents to take the Big Dawg Dare, “an extreme 5k run over obstacles that will challenge the biggest of dawgs.” The Big Dawg Dare will occur on Saturday, July 18, in seven waves on the hour from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m., except at noon when a shorter Puppy Dawg Dare (2K obstacle race) for children ages 10 and up will occur. The race is at Wolff Farms, 3153 N. 15th Ave., Litchfield.
Race organizers have a new and improved course for 2015 based on suggestions from the past three years. Dawgs will run, climb, walk, swim and crawl their way through 30 obstacles and hills. Organizers promise a muddier, wetter course containing an exciting mix of both natural and man-made obstacles including tires, tunnels, fences, rivers, cargo netting, window openings, water slides and more. Cash prizes for winners in every age group, plus a grand prize of $3,700 to be split between the top four overall male and female finishers, serve as motivation to power through the course.
All dawgs and pups are asked to arrive at Wolff Farms one hour prior to their scheduled heat, and the starting line no later than five minutes before their assigned heat. Parking is free and located in two specific lots. Attendees are also welcome to park on the streets leading up to the course. Participant packets, which include a timing chip, t-shirt, headband and tote bag, can be retrieved on the south side of the course. Participants are asked to bring a photo ID in order to verify their identity.
Post-race, all participants will receive a mug, a tech shirt, tote, headband and medal upon completion. Post-race amenities will include the Dawghouse stocked with soda, beer, water and hot dogs for purchase, areas with water for cleaning up muddy paws, as well as time to enjoy the “dawg” days of summer.
The cost to run the 5K Big Dawg Dare is $65. The cost of the 2K Puppy Dawg Dare is $35. To register for either race, visit http:// bigdawgdare.com. Questions or comments about the event can be directed to Brian at bigdawgdare@hotmail.com.
Contact Nan Bulli at nbulli@illinoistimes.com.
