Dirty Bird Mud Run Details
Check this page for updates and further details as they become available.
| When: |
Saturday, April 12, 2014Race Start Time: 10 a.m. |
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| Where: | Southwestern Michigan College, Dowagiac campus | |
| Team Composition & Registration: |
One member from each team must register their team. Each team member needs to print out the Liability Release and Assumption of Risk Form, read, and sign it and turn it in on race day at the SAC (Student Activity Center). |
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| Eagle Division: | Serious and experienced athletes who are looking to push themselves to their limits. | |
| Hawk Division: | Intermediate-level athletes who haven’t had much or any experience with this sort of event. | |
| Falcon Division: | Fit athletes whose number one goal is to finish the race. | |
| ALL participants must sign the Liability Release and Assumption of Risk Form and bring the signed form on race day. Forms will also be available on race day. | ||
| Age Limit: | Participants must be 16 years old or older on the day of the race. If under 18, a parent or guardian must sign the Liability Release and Assumption of Risk Form. The form can be printed out, signed by the parent or guardian, and brought to the SAC (Student Activity Center) on race day. | |
| Cost: | 3 person teams: TBA | |
| 4 person teams: TBA | ||
| 5 person teams: TBA | ||
| Payment Methods: |
Check, PayPal or Guest PayPal debit or credit card payments. Note: PayPal will accept guest payments via credit or debit cards for those individuals who do not have a PayPal account. Select the PayPal option at checkout and complete the "Don't have a PayPal Account?" section. | |
| Volunteers: | Volunteers: Race organizers are seeking volunteers for various activities on race day. This is a great opportunity for student clubs and community organizations to donate their time to a worthy cause. If you would like to volunteer, please click on the “Volunteer to Help” link above. | |
| Honor Flag: | Honor a current or former military service member with a flag. The flags with a message or photo of your service member will be placed on the flags. The Honor Flags are free. (See Honor Flags tab above). | |
| After Party: | Everyone is invited to attend an "After Party" immediately following the Dirty Bird Mud Run at The Wounded Minnow Saloon, downtown Dowagiac, on race day between 12 noon and 4 p.m. An all you can eat mexican-style buffet will be served for $10. A portion of the proceeds will support the Southwestern Michigan College Military Veterans Scholarship. Directions to The Wounded Minnow are available online. | |
Race Information
THE RACE
The Dirty Bird is a challenging 8K (five-mile) race held on the campus of Southwestern Michigan College, combining military-style obstacles, hilly terrain, mud, and whatever bonus Michigan weather provides.
Runners will sprint from the starting line and immediately face several major obstacles before advancing through the unforgiving hills of SMC’s storied cross-country trails, navigating the muddy “Dirty Bird” ravine, and finally facing another set of obstacles leading to the finish line. (See course map).
THE TEAM
Three to five person teams will compete in three divisions based on fitness and experience. Though individual abilities and intentions differ, the physically and mentally demanding course is the same for everyone.
But this isn’t just about individuals. Teamwork is paramount. All team members must reach an obstacle before it can be attempted; all team members must complete the obstacle before moving on to the next.
THE AWARDS
The first three finishers for men’s, women’s, and coed teams from each division will be recognized at a ceremony following the race. In addition, prizes will be awarded for best costumes, best team name, and dirtiest team.
THE BENEFITS
It is only fitting that the proceeds from the Dirty Bird, which requires determination, toughness, and teamwork, will benefit those who have served our country. Net proceeds will fund the Military Veterans’ Scholarship at Southwestern Michigan College. Last year, we were able to award six student veterans a total of $7,000.
