And Step Up to the Challenge that May Save a Life.
Yesterday I met with the creator of what may be Virginia’s biggest mud-run: The Fortifier 5k. Maybe you’ve heard of it, maybe you haven’t. But I stand by what I said: It may one day be Virginia’s biggest race, and there is no time better than RIGHT NOW to hop in on this 3.4 mile of kick-your-ass/save-a-life action.
The Fortifier is a different race from all other mud-runs: it saves lives. All profits go toward various charities throughout the community and throughout the country. YOU even get the opportunity to choose a charity. Here’s the deal: you and three other people enter as a team of four. You race together. You help each other through tough obstacles. You win together. You raise money for charity by doing nothing more than showing up and having a fantastic fun-mud-filled morning with your friends. Sound awesome? You betcha.
Not convinced yet to throw down your cash and sign up? Here’s why The Fortifier 5k is going to be the perfect mud-run for YOU:
Are you a Fitness PRO, Ready to Prove your Strength, Power, and Endurance?
Because the race is 3.4 miles, fitness veterans are going to be in an all-out SPRINT from obstacle to obstacle. And these obstacles are no joke either: think 8 and 14 foot walls, uphill river traverse, sled pulls, and log carries. You’ve got to be FAST, TOUGH, and STRONG. Previous competitors have quoted the Fortifier as “tougher than the other races–specifically in comparison to the Warrior Dash.” The obstacles are designed to kick the ass of the athlete, but not be so tough that a newbie can’t complete it. And if you do prove that you and your team is badass enough, you get to pick whatever charity you want to donate towards. It’s a win-win, no matter what. Think of the race this way: obstacles like the Civilian Military Combine, camaraderie of a GoRuck, distance of a Warrior Dash, and the spirit of a Spartan. What could be better?
New to mud runs? Dying to try the trend but scared of the course?
The Fortifier is a short distance–only 3.4 miles. You get to complete the race with a group, and no one gets left behind. Scared of 14 foot walls? There are race volunteers stacked at each obstacle to help you through. This mud run isn’t designed to trick you, shock you, or make you feel like a failure; it’s designed to test your strength–physical and mental. If you are strong enough to accept the challenge, you are strong enough to finish. And trust me, coming from someone who ran her first mud run less than a year ago, there’s NO better way to feel proud, accomplished, and like a total badass all at the same time. Crossing the finish line of a race of this caliber is an indescribable feeling. You’ve just GOT to do it–no other questions. It will change you…no doubt about that.
What About the Obstacles?! Expect the following:
- Log Carry
- Mud Pit–you WILL get dirty!
- 8-foot walls
- 14-foot towers
- Sled pull–two of your team members will PULL the other two team members! Strategics?
- Up-the-creek crawl…under barbed wire
- Forrest run
- Hay bales
- And more!
And the prizes?
- The top community team AND the top military team gets to donate $500 to its charity of choice
- An award will be given for the MUDDIEST competitor
- An award will be given for the BEST COSTUME
- All top finishers will get Medals
- Register by April 1st to get a free T-shirt!
- And more!
Worried About Obstacle Wait Times?
Guess what: Expect a wait time of ZERO at these obstacles. I totally get it: you’re running the race, you’re passing competitors right and left, you’re speedy, quick, and about to win….you round the corner, come face to face with your last obstacle and SMACK–a 20 minute wait line. Seriously?! According to Fortifier’s race director, this isn’t going to happen in his race. You get to race, really race, without being held back. And speaking of obstacles, don’t think about skipping them either. The course is designed so that you must complete the obstacles. Don’t forget, you have an entire team to help you, with volunteers at each station. And each racer will be given a chip-timer. Isn’t this exactly what you came for?
So you’re just looking for some weekend group fit, after-party fun, huh?
Here’s a race that’s inexpensive, proceeds go to charity, vendors will be on display, and spectators get to watch for free. From 11am to 1m, 105.1 will be broadcasting LIVE from the venue, and a spectacular post-race after party is expected! You will get to build bonds in a team-building environment surrounded by friendly competition.
Are You a Harrisonburg-Area Local?
THIS IS YOUR RACE! Local high school athletic teams are going to be on-site to cheer competitors. Local CrossFit teams have signed up and are ready to prove their fitness. Local military will be on display to help competitors and to race as well! This is a FIRST-CLASS hometown race with hometown feel, and hometown pride. And yet it’s a race big enough to become the mud run of the area. Virginia? The East Coast? The Mid-Atlantic? The way mud runs and obstacle courses are exploding across the nation right now, expect this one to get big–in a hurry. Just think–this one is right down the road. You can go back home and shower and hit the after-party “so fresh and so clean-clean.” Win-win.
Not from the Area? No Problem…We Got Ya Covered.
The Fortifier takes place in April–hotels around here will be cheap. Just check out Harrisonburg Hotels on Google. Spectators get to watch–and are guaranteed to see at least 70% of all obstacles without traipsing through mud themselves–and parking is only $5 per vehicle. (And that’s because the event sponsors have to pay for that up front! They aren’t charging you just to make an extra buck.) The race itself is only $50 per person ($200 per team) and you can bring the entire family, or all of your friends! Harrisonburg is a small city characterized by its college-town atmosphere. Home to the James Madison Dukes, the night life is more than lively. For not a lot of money, you can have a fantastic little weekend get-away with your friends. So what do you say? Come to the party!
What to do while in the ‘Burg:
Visit Harrisonburg Tourism for some great weekend ideas! Here are some of my favorite hot-spots: Earth and Tea Cafe, Blue Nile, Thai Cafe, Jack Brown’s, Billy Jack’s, Dave’s Taverna, Arepera Las Chamas.
Com’on Folks…This is More than a Race.
You’re getting a once-a-year chance at a first-class race, and all profits go to charity. This isn’t a mud run to take lightly; this run can save a life, build a future, extend someone’s research, or provide to those in need–all while you get to have fun with friends and family. You can’t say that it’s not worth it! Stop reading already and SIGN UP!
Don’t forget: Register before April 1 to get a free shirt! Visit Fortifier Events on Facebook!
Race Details:
- Saturday, April 21, 2013
- Taylor Family Private Estate
S. Montevideo Circle, Penn Laird, VA 22846 - Teams of 4 will compete in one of 4 competition groups: Community, Military, Fraternities, Sororities (A $500 donation will be made to the organization of the winner’s choice in each category- Community/Military and Collegiate)
- More on REGISTRATION here
Would you like to race with Strong Figure? If you are a “single” and want to join a team, CONTACT US here or on Facebook. I’d love to get as many strong figures together as possible!
