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  • Detroit, MI
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  • Atlanta, GA
  • Sacramento, CA
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• faqs
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  • Merrell
    Down & Dirty
    Registration
  • Adventure Kids
    Registration
    (ages 4-13)
  • Official Rules
  • Age Groups

Can I register the day of the race?

If the event has not sold out, the remaining spots will be sold on Saturday. However, we do expect the event to sell out, so we advise you to register early.

Do you offer refunds on registration?

All entry fees are non-refundable and non-transferable to other athletes.

What are the entry fees for the Merrell Down & Dirty National Mud Run Series presented by Subaru?

Early entry registration for the 10K will be $60.00 and $50.00 for the 5K. Early registration cut off dates will vary by market.

Regular entry registration for the 10K will be $65.00 and $55.00 for the 5K. Regular registration cut off dates will vary by market.

Late entry registration for the 10K will be $75.00 and $60.00 for the 5K. Late registration dates will vary by market.

Night Mud Run Fees are $75.00 and late entry registration is $85.00. Late registration dates will vary by market.

Is there a military discount for the Merrell Down & Dirty Mud Run presented by Subaru?

Yes! Participants who are active military personnel or public safety officers can race in the Military and Public Safety Division (non age specific). Contact us at downanddirty@mesp.com for a special military and public service discount!

What is the minimum age to race in the Merrell Down & Dirty Mud Run presented by Subaru?

Racers must be a minimum of 13 years old to participate in the 5K and 14 years old to participate in the 10K.

Will athlete refreshments be available after the race?

Yes! Fruit, water and other snacks are available at the finish line.

Each Merrell Down & Dirty Mud Run presented by Subaru event also features a post race Burger Bash with hamburgers, chips and drinks!

Can someone else pick up my race packet and goody bag at packet pick up?

No, each racer must pick up their race packet and goody bag at packet pick up where they will sign a waiver and show photo ID. No exceptions.

Does the Merrell Down & Dirty National Mud Run Series presented by Subaru have a charity partner?

The Merrell Down & Dirty National Mud Run Series presented by Subaru is proud to partner with Operation Gratitude - an amazing volunteer organization that sends care packages filled with snacks, entertainment items and personal letters of appreciation addressed to individually named U.S. Service Members deployed in hostile regions such as Iraq and Afghanistan, and on Naval ships at sea! Help us support our service members oversees who have committed their lives to making our country safe!

You can also help raise funds for this excellent cause! Build your own donation page, create and join fundraising teams and easily begin your fundraising efforts by clicking here. You can make donating simple for your friends and family and track your pledges online in only a few simple steps. Just use the template, or personalize it by writing your own text. Click to learn how to can join your fellow Merrell Down & Dirty racers in raising funds for a great cause!

Is there a time limit to finish the course?

No, there is no time limit to finish the course. Athletes are permitted to walk the course.

Can I walk the course?

Yes, participants can walk the course, there is no time limit to finish the race.

Can dogs participate?

Sorry! Dogs are not able to participate in Merrell Down & Dirty Mud Run presented by Subaru events.

Are there awards?

There will be awards at Merrell Down & Dirty Mud Run presented by Subaru! Awards will be given to the top 5 finishers in each age group! The age groups are as follows:

Male/Female Merrell Barefoot Division
Male/Female 13-17
Male/Female 18-24
Male/ Female 25-29
Male/ Female 30-34
Male/ Female 35-39
Male/ Female 40-44
Male/ Female 45-49
Male/ Female 50-54
Male/ Female 55-59
Male/ Female 60-64
Male/ Female 65-69
Male/ Female 70-75
Male/Female 75+

We will also give awards for the Top 5 Males and Females in the Military & Public Safety Division.

Is there shower equipment available after the race?

Yes! There will be showers available to rinse off after the race. Paul Mitchell products will be available for use!

What does the Registration fee include? T-shirt, medal,etc.?

The registration fee includes a technical race t-shirt (not cotton), a finisher medal, a post-race BBQ and a mud, mud and more mud!

will be necessary to swim as part of the obstacles?

No - the event does not include swimming. Any water crossings are accesible on foot.

I want to walk the course....am I able to walk around the mud part?

You'll have to crawl through the mud pit to make it to the finish line!

Can friends and family attend to watch the race? If so, will there be an area for spectators at the beginning and/or end of the race?

Yes - friends and family are more than welcome to come out and watch the race! We will have plenty going on on race day for everyone to enjoy. Please check the "Parking" section for each race to check to see the parking fees so your friends and family can be prepared on race day.

Can we pick up our race packet the day of the race?

Yes - you can pick up your packet the day of the race. Be sure to come early so that you can have ample time to park and avoid the morning rush!

Can I walk with my 5 year old through the kid's course?

Yes, you are more than welcome to do so! Kids aged 4-6 are required to have a parent join them on the course.

Can we form a team?

This event is for individual entries only. You are welcome to race with as many friends as you like but there are not formal team entries.

Will there be a photographer on site taking pictures of the runners?

Yes - ASI Photography will be at the event to capture every muddy minute! You will then have the opportunity to purchase these pictures after the event.

Are there areas along the course where family/friends/spectators can photograph the athletes during the competition?

The best place to come spectate the race and take pictures will be at the mud pit! The mud pit will be just before the finish line in the main expo site so there will also be plenty of other things to do and check out!

Can a person of average shape participate or do you have to be an elite athlete

Merrell Down & Dirty Mud Runs are designed for people of all fitness levels to enjoy themselves and have a great time out on the course!

can a group of 6 - 10 people compiled of members in different age categories be assured to run together?

Yes - you will be able to run with anyone during the race despite their age or gender.

Is it possible to complete the obstacles if I cannot do an unassisted pullup?

The course is designed for people of all fitness levels to enjoy and have a good time. There will be plenty of volunteers at each obstacle to give you a hand if you need it, but be sure to give it your best effort!

do the 5k racers also recieve the technical tee?

Yes! Both 5K and 10K racers will receive the Merrell Down & Dirty National Mud Run Series Tech Tee!

How is the course marked along the routes? Are there volunteers that help point the way or offer assistance if needed?

Have no fear! The course is extremely well marked, so you will not have any difficulty finding the way.

Is the BBQ open to family & friends or just competitors? And does it cost?

The Post-Race Burger Bash is free to all registrants. Additional tickets can be purchased at the Registration Tent for $7.

Participants in the Adventure Kids presented by Paul Mitchell race may buy a discounted $5 ticket with their racer bib.

How can I help fundraise for Operation Gratitude?

The Merrell Down & Dirty National Mud Run Series presented by Subaru is proud to announce a brand new platform to help racers raise funds for our charity partner, Operation Gratitude!

Build your own donation page, create and join fundraising teams and easily begin your fundraising efforts by clicking here. You can make donating simple for your friends and family and track your pledges online in only a few simple steps. Just use the template, or personalize it by writing your own text. Click to learn how to can join your fellow Merrell Down & Dirty racers in raising funds for a great cause!
Fundraising Incentives
Fun incentives are offered to reward our racer’s most generous fundraising efforts:

• Setup your own personal fundraising page and receive a special Operation Gratitude dogtag at the race!


• Raise $100 and also receive an Operation Gratitude T-Shirt!


• Raise $250 and also receive a limited edition commemorative vial of actual Merrell Down & Dirty mud! Also receive a VIP parking pass and 2 additional passes for post-race food.


• Raise $500 and also receive a $110 Merrell gift card PLUS your very own special thank you Operation Gratitude Care Package sent to your home as our thanks for your support!

Are there fundraising incentives for Operation Gratitude?

Yes! Fun incentives are offered to reward our racer’s most generous fundraising efforts:

• Setup your own personal fundraising page and receive a special Operation Gratitude dogtag at the race!


• Raise $100 and also receive an Operation Gratitude T-Shirt!


• Raise $250 and also receive a limited edition commemorative vial of actual Merrell Down & Dirty mud! Also receive a VIP parking pass and 2 additional passes for post-race food.


• Raise $500 and also receive a $110 Merrell gift card PLUS your very own special thank you Operation Gratitude Care Package sent to your home as our thanks for your support!

Will there be hydrations along the course? If so how many? Where will they be located?

Yes - there will be water stops out on the course, approximately every 3/4 mile-1 mile.

What is the Merrell Barefoot division?

The Merrell Barefoot Division specially times racers competing in Merrell Barefoot shoes, Vibram Five Fingers, or those who choose to run purely barefoot. The off-road nature of the trails can feature roots, rocks and sections of gravel. If you're not properly trained, these natural hazards may lead to cuts, scrapes and maybe blisters. You'll need to meet the below qualifications to be able to race purely barefoot:

• Racers must have experience running barefoot on off-road trails



• Racers must have 90 days of barefoot training under their belts

I have a male friend who would like to do the race with me. The groups aren't divided into male and female groups are they?

Thank you for your question! The waves are not divided into male female groups. We have different divisions for males and females so we can time them against the same sex. Please let me know if you need anything else!

See you in the mud!

Some of the obstacles are a little scary. What happens if I can't do one? I am not in it to win, I just want the experience. Will I be about to "go around" the obstacle to complete the course?

You will not be forced to participate in anything you do not feel comfortable with. We encourage all participants to compete at their comfort level. Also, there will be plenty of volunteers on the obstacles to help you if need be.

Hi - this is my first time doing anything like this - what do you wear? Shoe-wise?

We recommend that participants wear shoes that they do not care to have drenched in mud. Because you will be running a 5K or 10K, you should have a dependable pair of running shoes that are supportive.

Are BBQ tickets included in an Adventure Kids presented by Paul Mitchell entry fee?

Burger Bash tickets are not included in Adventure Kids presented by Paul Mitchell entry fee. Tickets are available for a discounted $5 at the Registration Tent by showing your kids racing bib.

Are there prizes for the Costume Contest?

Yes! The Costume Contest has many great prizes!

• 3rd Place Wins Free Entry Into Next Year's Race!


• 2nd Place Wins $110 Merrell Gift Card!


• 1st Place Grand Prize is $200!

Is there a Gear or Bag Check available?

Yes! There is a Bag Check where you can drop off your gear prior to the event. Tear off the "Bag Claim Check" tab from your racer bib and affix to your bag with a safety pin. Event staff will sort your bag according to your racer number, and you can claim your belongings later with your bib number.

Is merchandise for sale on site?

There will be great Merrell Down & Dirty National Mud Run Series presented by Subaru Official Merchandise available on race day. Stop by the Official Merchandise tent to check out official hoodies, hats and tech tees to show everyone in town that you got down & dirty! VISA and MasterCard are accepted.

How does the race start? Are there wave starts?

Wave starts will be seeded by expected pace per mile. Before your race start time, please gather in the corral labeled with your expected pace per mile. If you want to run along with friends, co-workers or family members of varying paces, please line up in the corral for the slowest pace per mile of your group. The Military & Public Safety Division will be the first wave of racers.

Is the race timed? How do I use my timing chip?

There will be a disposable, orange strip timing chip included in your packet, attached to your race bib. You will need to attach this timing chip to your shoe in order to receive a time for the race. Please visit this link to learn how to affix the timing chip to your shoe.

What are the obstacles?

Check out pictures of all of the event obstacles by visiting www.downanddirtymudrun.com/obstacles.cfm

Any training advice?

Sure! Check out detailed training program by visting downanddirtymudrun.com/training.cfm! You can also check out great advice from fellow down & dirty mud runners!

How can I confirm if I am registered?

Email us at downanddirty@mesp.com and let us know your full name, and which city you registered for and we can confirm your registration!