The course map for the weekend edition of the Rugged Maniac competition in Southwick Saturday and Sunday.
SOUTHWICK – Life is about to get a bit more, well, rugged in town this weekend.
On Saturday and Sunday, the Rugged Maniac competition returns to Southwick’s Motocross 338, also home to the Moto-X nationals.
This 5K obstacle race will test the limits of strength, stamina, conditioning, and athleticism in each of the participants.
The track itself is considered one of the national circuit’s toughest for the Rugged Maniac competition, featuring numerous rolling hills, whoop sections, muddy terrain, steep banking turns water- and mud-filled tunnels with burley obstacles blocking nearly every path.
Participants are first challenged by climbing over a cargo net, before next being tasked with crossing an “island,” or series of blocks set apart over a pool of water, and then facing the “suicide slide.”
The course takes a turn over water and mud with only thin planks covering their path. A jungle of tires, a barricade of walls ranging from 4 to 12 feet, a forest run, a rope ascent, a nightmarish maze of plastic pipes, a blazing leap over fire, a barbed wire crawl, and floating barriers await the challengers.
Spectator tickets are just $10 and include access to the viewing areas on the course and the festival area, which features live music, beer, food, vendors, and games. Children 13-and-under are free of charge.
As of Monday, nearly 11,000 people had already signed up to compete in the 3.1-mile challenge. Former Westfield resident Melissa Ablondi-Alves, 40, a Springfield teacher who now resides in Wilbraham , is one of several people participating for the first time.
“I have competed in triathlons,” said Ablondi. “It’s refreshing not to have to swim and bike to do this, although I’m going to be swimming in actual mud. I’m just hoping for no broken bones.”
Ablondi said the best advice some of her friends, who are past participants, have given her was to keep her mouth shut – to avoid a mouth full of muck.
There will be several waves of races between various age groups. The first wave begins at 9 a.m., while the last one is scheduled for 4 p.m. The gates close at 7 p.m. both days.
Registration is still open on race days for $98 per individual.
All participants receive a high-quality, tri-blend cotton Rugged Maniac t-shirt, a beer (for those legal drinking age), sponsor swag (if any) and fresh fruit at the finish line. The winners get a Rugged Maniac sweatshirt, prizes from the race sponsors, and a free entry to a future event. The top overall male and female finishers also receive a limited-edition Rugged Maniac belt buckle.
Prizes will be awarded to the top overall finisher, the top three female and male finishers, the top race over the age of 55, the top racer under age 18, and the most “Rugged” team, which is based on presence and attitude.
Racers must successfully complete all obstacles to be eligible for prizes.
