How to Build an Epic Mud Run Obstacle Course

If the term “mud run” or “obstacle course race” conjures up images of dirt-clad contenders doing things like climbing rope walls, low-crawling through pits of mud and trudging through murky waters, then you’ve likely got a pretty good idea of what the adventure race entails.

While the exact origin of the mud run is, well, murky, the act of athletes overcoming obstacles dates as far back as the Ancient Olympic Games. Today, mud runs have grown in popularity among amateur and veteran athletes alike as a way of testing the limits of one’s abilities—both physical and mental. As Alex Patterson, former CMO of Tough Mudder put it:

“An obstacle race is equal parts mental toughness and physical endurance. These events require the primal desire to conquer the course and the physical dexterity to tackle each obstacle that we (happily) put in your way.”

Whether you’ve crossed the finish line mud-covered and victorious or are entering new territory, we’re breaking down everything you need to know to host a fun, safe and epic mud run.

Things to Know Before You Get Started

Before diving too deeply into the planning process, there are a few administrative and logistical factors to consider that will help ensure your event goes off without a hitch.

• Course Safety (above all else) – Mud runs are inherently high-risk activities and therefore require robust safety planning to protect the well-being of everyone involved—runners, volunteers and spectators included.
• Time & Place – Be strategic with your timing and choice of venue (e.g., you probably want to avoid South Florida in August). And keep in mind—this is one of those rare occasions in which rain can be a good thing.
• Construction – Who will build the course? Are they equipped to handle the project in its entirety? After all, this is your vision—you need a partner who can bring it fully to life.
• Infrastructure – Your venue has to be able to withstand the capacity of your race, from number of runners on the course to the number of cars in the parking lot.
• Miscellaneous – There are actually several small but critical considerations that need to be made in planning a mud run or obstacle course race. Use this great list from Mud Run Guide to build your checklist and check out this behind-the-scenes video from the Spartan Race Crew to get a sense of everything that goes into creating a memorable event.

Create the Course of Your Dreams

Spartan Wall

Slip ‘n Slide

Mud Pits

Planning a Smaller Run? We’ve Got You Covered!

At Americover, we love a DIY endeavor, which is why we’ve created a Pinterest board full of fun and easy mud run obstacle ideas that won’t break the bank!

An epic mud run does not have to be one of epic proportions. In fact, a smaller, more intimate event can be a great way to get your friends and family together for a little friendly competition and is also an ideal setting for a corporate team-building event.

Create Your Epic Course With Americover

Americover is a premier supplier of specialty plastic liners used in mud runs and mud pits. We’ve supplied some of the most popular mud runs in the nation and can recommend the solution most conducive to what you’re trying to achieve. We know what works and what doesn’t—just give us a call at 760-388-6294 for help selecting the right liner for your mud run competition or to request a quote for the following recommended liners*:

*Any work performed using Americover products is done at your own risk.