The Rugged Maniac has a little bit of everything with 25+ obstacles – fire jumps, water slides, trampolines, and underground tunnels – to name a few, lining a 3-mile course, followed by a celebratory after party with plenty of beer and music. The race is held at the Portland International Raceway on June 17th. You can race as a team, or solo. Previous years have hosted teams who arrived in coordinated “Avengers-in-bathing-suits” costumes and Hulk-green body paint. In the festival, spectators and finishers can ride the mechanical bull and play beach volleyball, or compete in the stein-hoisting contest on the main stage. There is also a pie-eating contest post run, of course. Upon arrival at the raceway you will see obstacles in the distance and mud-covered people jumping over fire, bouncing on trampolines, and rocketing down a huge water slide. It’s an action packed, exhilarating event, perfect for Father’s Day weekend!
Wave Times begin at 9:45AM – 1:30PM, and run every 15 minutes. There is an elite heat beginning at 9:45 for those with an average 5K time of 25 minutes or less (non-obstacle race time). There are volunteers stationed at each obstacle and there will be two water stations for racers throughout the course and again at the finish line, where oranges and bananas will be offered to help replenish your energy! You can bring your own bottles of water, but no outside alcoholic beverages or coolers are allowed into the venue. The Race costs $89, the Military and Student price is $79. College students must show valid ID at check-in, no ID required for high school students. Runners can register on the day of the race for waves that have not yet sold out for a fee of $100 ($90 for military personnel and students with valid IDs). If registering on race day, you must arrive at least one hour prior to your desired start time. Parking is $10 per car and spectators can watch and cheer you on for free. In addition to entry into the event, registration includes a Rugged Maniac soft cotton T-shirt, racer medal, free photos and one free beer. For Rugged Maniac’s that use SnapChat, be sure to use the fun Rugged Maniac geofilter while taking pictures at the event. Several port-a-potties will be located at the race start and finish, along with rinse-off stations and enclosed changing areas for both men and women.
Racers are advised to assess each obstacle as they approach to determine whether their fitness level will allow them to safely complete it. Racers may circumvent any obstacle they feel is too difficult, but remember that doing so will disqualify them from winning the race.
What to wear: If you want to keep the clothes and shoes you wear during the race, be sure to wear items that are easily cleaned and tight fitting to avoid snagging on the barbed wire. Spandex pants and tops or board shorts and quick-dry shirts are recommended. You might want to wear long sleeves and pants or compression sleeves/socks to protect your forearms and shins during the crawls. Don’t forget to bring a change of clothes and shoes.
It is recommended that you bring: a towel, sunscreen, sunglasses (not to be worn during the race), a gallon of water to avoid lines at the rinse-off stations (and the ice-cold water!), a chair/blanket to sit-on in the festival area, a change of clothes and shoes, a plastic bag to put your muddy shoes and clothes in, and plenty of cash for merchandise, food, and beer. Coolers are not allowed into the event.
If you are 18 and over, you need to bring photo ID to verify your age. You do not need to bring a copy of your signed waiver. If you are under 18, you need to bring a copy of the waiver signed by your parent or legal guardian. If you forget it, your parent can still sign a waiver at the race.
It is advised that you do not bring the following items with you onto the course: wedding rings or other expensive jewelry, sunglasses, your only pair of prescription glasses, your wallet, your car keys, your cell phone, or anything else you don’t want to lose/destroy. Leave belongings with a friend, return them to your car, or check them at the free bag check located at the bag check tent.
Each racer gets a race bib which must be worn on the front of his/her body, shirt or shorts. The bib lets security know that you’re a paid runner, allows you to enter your bib number into the designated website after the race to find and download your pictures for free, and you must have it in order to retrieve your bags at the bag check tent.
Plan accordingly. The race will not be canceled for rain. If there is lightning, waves will be delayed until it passes. When the race resumes, waves will go off at 10-minute intervals until the race is back on schedule. If there’s severe weather that prevents the event from being held on Saturday, it will be moved to Sunday.
Rugged Maniac event coordinators will upload a more detailed packet that will contain event-specific information like the course map and schedule of events as the date approaches. Racers are advised to re-download the packet a couple days before the event via the link in their confirmation email or via the link on the event’s page to ensure they have all the information needed for the event.
After the race, Funds2Orgs will have a booth collecting used and muddy sneakers. Each pair of unwanted shoes are turned into an inventory for micro-entrepreneurs in 25 developing nations. Your donation gives shoes a second life by recycling them and keeping them out of the landfill. Look for Funds2Orgs near the showers!
In addition, Rugged Maniac has teamed up with the American Cancer Society® to help people live healthy lives, conquer obstacles, and have fun. As part of their commitment to raise awareness and funds, they encourage participants to donate and award great prizes to top fundraisers. You can create a fundraising page or make a donation to this worthy cause when you purchase your ticket. There will be an ACS booth in the festival area so be sure to look for it. To learn more, go to Crowdrise.com/RuggedManiac.
Rugged Maniac is a fun and exhilarating obstacle race! Bring your family and friends and come play with us on Saturday, June 17th.
What: Rugged Maniac
When: Saturday, June 17th 2017
Where: Portland International Raceway
Cost: General ($89) Military and Student ($79) Parking ($10)
