The Warrior Dash brings a lot of people here to WanderingJustin.com. Or more accurately, questions about it. I’ve looked through your search terms and written something from the most-popular questions about the Warrior Dash. This expands on my earlier post and tells you what you need to know based on my own experience:
What Should I Wear to the Warrior Dash”
If you splashed out big bucks for some Lululemon gear, you’ll hate yourself for wearing it during a Warrior Dash. The mud and other obstacles will do some damage. Wear something old and ratty, but still functional. If you have a pair of running shoes that are on their last leg, send ‘em to Valhalla with one last mission in the Warrior Dash.
Now, you can also choose the costume route – which some people love for adventure racing. The mud and various other obstacles will place it in serious danger. I’ve seen everything from dresses to unitards to Greco-Roman getups. I’d love to find some photos of people who have done something really original, so speak up if you know of anyone.
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What’s a Good Time”
It depends. The fastest dudes finish in about 26 minutes, give or take. If you finish in 35 or less, I think you’re doing pretty well by any measure. Don’t get caught up too much in comparing yourself to others. Know where you stand, and just try to leave it all out on the course. It all depends on your lifestyle and any changes you may have made to it.
Can I Skip Obstacles”
I didn’t see anyone monitoring obstacles, so probably. But obstacles are the point of the Warrior Dash and just about any adventure race! Any able-bodied people who contemplate this option are lame-ass, 17 corndog-eating wheelbarrows of sadness. They’ll get horns and t-shirts, and will deserve neither.
Am I fit enough for the Warrior Dash”
If you can finish 5K race in about 35 minutes, I think you’re fit enough to run – not walk! – a Warrior Dash. Now, I get irate when people walk a Warrior Dash three abreast. If you can’t run the whole thing, at least be considerate and get to the right so faster people can pass you. I think organizers should get hardcore: Have a cutoff time to each obstacle. If you don’t make it, you get disqualified.
What to Bring
A towel. A travel bag (those soccer bags with the drawstrings are about perfect). A complete change of clothes. Some spending cash. A snack and a decent drink. You’re done. The Arizona edition had a bag check, which means others probably do, too. That’s where you should drop your bagful of gear while you race.
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Thank for posting. I’m running the nj dash tomorrow and both your articles are helpful! Recently ran the dirty girl mud run in pa and loved it!
Awesome – glad I could help. Good luck, have fun, be safe and drop in again!
Thanks for the info! I’m going my first Warrior Dash this morning – Iowa. It should be a great time!
Have a good time out there, and thanks for the comment!
I’m nine but i think I’m fit to do the obstacles. I”ve seen people do it on video. I’m not afraid to get muddy or wet. I would love to do it. But i have to be 14 or older:-(
Erica, it’s awesome that you’re already so eager to have a go at the Warrior Dash. Just stay active and you’ll be 14 before you know it! In the meantime, I can tell you that some of my local CrossFit gyms have programs for people your age. You might want to look into that – it’ll be perfect preparation to getting a scary-good Warrior Dash time. Good luck and have fun!
Hi, we have a group participating but one member of our group wound up in a wave 30 minutes after ours…hor hard do you think it would be to squeeze him into our wave without the race officials busting him?
Good job. You’re right on the money on just about all the points you touched on. I’m heading to the So Cal race this Sat (did the one last year – had a Blast!!). Yeyy!! 😀
Thanks for the comment, Maya. Good luck on Saturday!
Doing the Atlanta race tomorrow…4/13 my first ever!! Was concerned about slowing others up..I will be the one on the right so the “fit one’s” can get by:) thanks for the tips!!
Great, Kim. Have fun and good luck!
How does check-in work? I’ve heard in some places that they bus you to your race after you park some where else? What time do you have to be there before your wave (like an hour? 2 hours?)
This is my first dash, so I am a little fuzzy on some things.
Hey, Morgan. the check-in is pretty straightforward. They’ll have you sign in and direct you to a bag check. I was there about an hour before my wave. As for busing … it might depend on the venue. Everyone just walked at the Arizona races.
Good luck and have fun!
how old do you have to be
Karter, one of the other commentors here says 14. If I were a younger person interested in doing the Warrior Dash, I’d look on the Warrior Dash website. The registration form is as good a place as any to confirm.