Fire-Jumping, Mud-Covered Warriors Conquer Lake Elsinore

PHOTO GALLERY INCLUDED:

Waves of fearless competitors are pounding the shores of the Lake Elsinore levee to participate in the second annual Warrior Dash this weekend, and it’s turning out to be one dirty event.

Outfitted in warrior costumes, more than 13,000 mud-loving, fire-jumping competitors are going at it--in intervals of 700 people every half hour--to attack the intense 11-obstacle, 3.08-mile rugged course on the levee to claim their finish-line medals, T-shirts, warrior helmets and complimentary beer.

After conquering the grueling race, finishers are heading to the waters of Lake Elsinore to ceremoniously cleanse themselves.

The national Warrior Dash event, which is produced by Red Frog, is drawing local and international competitors to Lake Elsinore.

Jamie Sapara and Marty Eastman of Alberta, Canada, participated in the Dash on Saturday as an “excuse for a vacation.”

“We chose this event as a fun way to kick off our training for an upcoming June triathlon,” Marty said.

Warriors range in age, physical ability and experience.

“The Incredible”-themed team of Chris Gallagher, 54, Lindsey Gallagher, 24, Katie Gallagher, 20, and Courtney Beckman, 19, traveled from Simi Valley to conquer the Dash.

“We became interested in this event after we attended a Sacramento Mud Run,” said team leader Chris. 

This weekend’s Warrior Dash is also offering an opportunity for global fundraising. Through Sunday, Warrior Dash participants and spectators can donate new and used tennis shoes to GreenSneakers, which in turn benefits the Mitumba industry (used shoes and clothing) in Africa, said Brian R. Barber of GreenSneakers.

To donate or catch the action, head over to the Lake Elsinore levee on Sunday from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. The event is free to spectators.

UPDATE: Read Patch contributor Lindsay DeLong's for a firsthand account of what it's like to participate in this grueling family-fun (drunk) fest.