Tire Factory Black Widow Mud and Sun Run FAQs

Here are a few of our most-asked questions for the Tire Factory Black Widow Mud & Sun Run Aug. 3 at Horn Rapids Motorsports Complex:

Learn More About the BLACK WIDOW MUD & SUN RUN

How do I register?

What are the obstacles?

Read the list.

Is there a parking fee?

There is a registration fee, and parking is $10 per vehicle, but watching is free.

What do I need at Check In?

• Photo I.D.
• If you are Under 18 years of age we need a signed waiver by your parent/guardian. NO EXCEPTIONS.

What should you bring?

• Appropriate footwear is highly recommended. Our course is in a Motorsports Facility and for the safety of your feet you need some protection. Please no sandals, flip flops or bare feet.
• Change of clothes for after the race – you will be muddy.
• A towel
• Gloves are recommended for the rope and wood obstacles, but are not required.
• We do have food, beverages, water balloons (charity fundraiser) and Tire Factory Black Widow Mud & Sun Run apparel for sale

 

LEAVE THESE AT HOME:

• No glass containers
• No outside food or beverages
• No weapons of any kind
• No bad attitudes or aggressive behavior

When do things start?

Campers may come as early as Friday afternoon.

After-hour arrival water hookup, paved sites and bathroom/showers near main entrance. $25 per night. Please do not park on the facility road in front of the entrance gate overnight.

Early registration Friday, Aug. 2 from 4 to 9 p.m.

Main run registration is 7 to 11 a.m.

The Horn Rapids Motorsports Complex will open at 7 a.m. on Saturday, Aug. 3 for registration and parking.

The first wave begins at 9 a.m. and continues every 20 to 30 minutes. The Widow recommends that participants arrive 90 minutes before your assigned wave time. Your wave time will be determined after the online registration process. You will receive a wave time email notice the week prior to the event.*Race packets must be picked up on site. They will not be mailed to participants. You must check in regardless.

 

What is the length of the Black Widow course?

9 km or 5.5 miles with 16 Major Obstacles.

The Course is designed to go through the Horn Rapids Motorsports Complex.  The elevations will change in each activity area and is not considered an obstacle, but VERY MUCH a part of the course. So train for rugged conditions – hills, sand, crawling, climbing, wading, and jumping, as well as a few surprises.

 

What if I can’t complete an obstacle?

If there is an obstacle that’s too much for you, go around. No shame. Personal safety is more important.

 

Can I pick up my friend’s entry packet?

Yes you can but you will need:

• Copy of friend’s photo I.D.
• Signed letter from friend stating you are allowed to pick up their packet
• Signed, initialed, and dated participant waiver.

 

Where can I leave my gear?

There will be a free bag check area for your gear. Remember, the Widow’s minions work very hard and will make every effort to safeguard your belongings. However, do everyone a favor and leave valuable items at home. The Widow’s lawyer will not let us guarantee your gear’s safety from theft or damage.

 

What if I can’t race and I’ve already paid?

NO refunds will be awarded for any reason with the exception of call ups for military or police service. If you cannot participate in the race, you may pick up your race packet to receive your free gear or have a friend pick up your packet for you (see “friend packet pickup” instructions above).

 

Is the race timed?

There will be a running clock during the race but no individual times will be scored. This race is meant to test your strength, stamina and love of mud & sun.  Whether you run the course or walk, the Widow has proclaimed everyone who finishes a winner.

 

What if there is inclement weather?

The Tire Factory Black Widow Mud & Sun Run will happen rain or shine. Townsquare Media reserves the right to cancel or delay the event if runner, spectator, or staff safety is compromised. All efforts will be made to reschedule the event if possible, but there will be no refunds. The most likely weather will be very hot, so plan accordingly.

 

Do I have to be in good shape to participate?

The Tire Factory Black Widow Mud & Sun Run will be very challenging — but not impossible — for every level of physical fitness. We suggest runners increase physical training in anticipation of the event. You will be running a more than seven miles with 12-foot climbing walls, mud pits, and steep inclines. We recommend you run regularly (2x times a week) for three miles or more and be able to complete five pull-ups and 15-20 push-ups in a row.

 

Do I have to sign the Tire Factory Black Widow Mud & Sun Run waiver to participate?

Yes! When you pick up your registration packets, you must have a signed and initialed waiver in which you acknowledge (among other things) that by participating either online or in person the event will expose you to certain risks, including the risk of personal injury, including death. For legal reasons, we suggest you read and understand the waiver before you sign it on event day.

 

Can I bring friends and family to watch the run?

Yes! The course is spectator friendly. Obstacle viewing will be available at multiple locations and there is an audience viewing area at the finish line. The group Make The Dash Count will also be selling water balloons you can purchase and throw at the runners! “Make the Dash Count” is a local foundation with a board full of high school kids. The leaders direct the kids on the board in reviewing applications for grants to be used helping at-risk youth in the Tri-Cities area. The board then decides who receives grants from the foundation.

 

Do I have to register online?

Yes, registration must be completed online.

 

Can we take pictures?

Yes, but don’t ruin your valuables. We recommend assigning friends or family to take photos from the viewing area. If you take a digital camera or smart phone with you on the run you are solely responsible for it. We warn that serious damage or complete destruction of the device is possible. We recommend you use an older device, put it in a plastic bag, or stop by the Homeplace Photo Booth near the finish line for photos.

 

Are costumes allowed?

Yes! They’re encouraged! But no naked or semi-naked runners, spectators or guests will be tolerated.

You will be muddy and wet. We recommend bringing a large plastic bag to hold your racing clothes and towels.

Costumes may not pose potential injury to you or another runners. Nothing metal or that could cause injury if it stepped or fallen upon by another runner — cloth costumes only. If you have a question on your costume send us an email or check with us at registration.