Marathons, Triathlons, Spinning and Cycling are all good ways to train and get fit, but, if youre looking for the ultimate fun experience, nothing beats mud running.  Gaining in popularity, mud run races are popping up all over the U.S. 

Carl Bolm has participated in several of these races around the country.  Finding himself bored with the same old farm field with temporary obstacles and no wow factor, inspired Bolm to develop THE BATTLEGROUNDS Mud Run, the only permanent mud run facility in the Midwest.

I call it the Disney World of mud run racing, says Bolm.  Weve heavily invested in designing and building permanent signature obstacles. 

The facility sits on 200 pristine acres in Warren County, Missouri, an easy 20 to 30 minute drive west of Chesterfield. 

This five-mile course boasts 35 unique and challenging obstacles designed for both thrill-seekers and competitive adventure runners.

Some of the obstacles include:

      The Torpedo Launcherafter scaling a 50-foot wall, mud-runners then plunge down a 100-foot slide into a pool of water, climb out and continue the trek.

      The Drop Zone runners climb a muddy berm to find themselves facing a 25-foot drop into a large pool of water.  The real test comes when trying to get OUT of the pool, which requires personal determination and teamwork.

      The Gauntletthe grand finale of the course and considered by many to be the most challenging section, The Gauntlet invites you to pick your poison.  After emerging from a muddy creek in the woods, competitors climb a 3-story mound of dirt.  Below, stand 6 lanes of obstacles bridging a 100-foot wide mud pit.

The Battlegrounds was developed out of Bolms personal passion for health and his desire to provide a unique fitness activity in the Midwest. Its not about finishing first, or with the best time, its about challenging yourself or your team to navigate as much of the course as youre able to, says Bolm.

 Because The Battlegrounds is a permanent facility, it was built with a lot of features unlike any other mud race or adventure run.  For example, The Battlegrounds provides free warm showers and changing rooms as a matter of both comfort and convenience, making it easy for participants to unwind at the adjacent Cedar Lake Cellars Winery. Race days are very spectator friendly too, and feature live music, an after-party and free parking.

 Bolm promises more to come.  Just like Disney adds rides and attractions, we are creating new experiences for each race at The Battlegrounds. 

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