Frequently Asked Questions

About HMR

  • Who started Hardcore Mudd Run?
    • Gideon Schwartz and Rich Olsen, both of who are firefighters, started HMR. As firefighters, they know the importance of physical fitness, brotherhood and camaraderie. So they wanted to share these values with the public and help the children of the world by donating a portion of the proceeds to CMN and Umuryango.
  • What charities benefit from Hardcore Mudd Run events?
    • HMR has teamed up with the Children’s Miracle Network and Umuryango Children’s Network. A portion of the proceeds from all HMR events will go to CMN. All participants are asked to donate their mud run shoes to Umuryango Children’s Network to help put shoes on thousands of African men, women and children in Rwanda.
  • Is Hardcore Mudd Run like all the other mud run events?
    • Yes and No. HMR tries to stand apart from other mud run events in being the TOUGHEST and HARDEST mud run, while putting emphasis on camaraderie and the brotherhood/sisterhood it takes to complete the course.
  • Is Hardcore Mudd Run only in State College, PA?
    • No. HMR is planning more events in the near future and hopes to be across the nation in a few years. If you want HMR to come to a ski area or location near you, please ask that location to contact us.
  • How can I volunteer for a Hardcore Mudd Run event?
    • Send an email to our Manpower Director jmorrison@hardcoremuddrun.com for more information.
  • Can I get a job with Hardcore Mudd Run?
    • Yes, HMR is always looking for highly motivated individuals. Send resumes to Rich Olsen at P.O. Box 602 Pine Grove Mills, PA 16868 or email at rolsen@hardcoremuddrun.com.
  • What is the Hardcore Mudd Run "Warm-Up"?
    • What is warm-up? HMR Warm-ups are smaller event with less people for smaller venues. Each venue can pick the size and scope of events. Warm-ups do not have an after party. Don't worry, the course will still challenge all who attend. And, of course, you get the free beer.

Registration

  • What options do I have to register?
    • You can register as a team (2+ people), as an individual or as a spectator. We strongly encourage participants to register with or create a team, as teamwork and camaraderie will help you conquer our challenging course. Don’t worry though, as an individual participant you will discover that teamwork and camaraderie stretch beyond teams and amongst individuals.
  • How many people can be on a team?
    • We do NOT limit the number of individuals on a team so we encourage you to sign up and register as many as you like…
  • How old do I have to be?
    • 18 to participate in the mud run and, of course, 21 to drink alcohol.
  • How much does the Hardcore Mudd Run cost?
    • Prices vary from $45 to $135 depending on the event. However, the earlier you register the bigger discount you can receive. Remember, it’s going to a good cause.
  • Does registration cost less as a team?
    • Yes, all the members on your team get a discount on registration; however, keep in mind that after set dates prices will go up for team members that wait.
  • Is there any way to get a discount on registration?
    • Yes, there are several ways in which you can receive a discounted registration. First, as our way of saying THANK YOU to the men and women who serve this country in the Public Safety Sector (Military, Police, Firefighters, EMS), you can register for any full-sized event (excludes warm-ups) at any time for a flat price of $75. Second, our pricing is discounted if you register early, register as a team and/or register to run on Sunday. Lastly, we do run special promotions from time to time so be sure to Follow Us and Like Us on Facebook so you don’t miss out.
  • Is there a deadline for registration?
    • Yes and No... online registration closes 4 days prior to each event. However, you can register the day of each event at the event location if the event is not sold out.
  • Is the Hardcore Mudd Run open to men and women?
    • Yes, HMR is open to everyone that wants to participate who is over the age of 18.
  • Can I get a refund or transfer my registration to someone else?
    • Sorry, no refunds or transfers for registration or spectator tickets.
  • How much is a spectator ticket?
    • Spectators pay $10 online before the event and $20 on the day of at the event. This allows your friends and family to cheer you on, as well as, enjoy the post-party festivities.
  • Can I change my event start time?
    • Yes, please send an email to our Registration Director
  • What do I receive with my registration?
    • With your registration you will receive a bib number, wristband for the post party, and one spectator pass. Of course, if you successfully finish the event, you'll receive an HMR T-shirt. Not to mention, the right to call yourself HARDCORE!
  • Do all of my team members need to register at the same time?
    • No, any member of your team can register at anytime. Please make sure that each member registers for the same day and time and be aware that prices will still go up for any team member that waits to register after set dates.
  • Can one person register an entire team?
    • No, each member of a team must register individually.
  • How many people make up a team?
    • Any group of 2 or more.
  • How can other team members join my team later?
    • Others can join later. Just have them register as a team and enter your team name on the registration form.
  • What obstacles are on the course?
    • The course could have any of 41 different obstacles.
  • I forgot what time I am registered. How can I find out?
    • You can refer to your registration confirmation email or send an email to our Registration Director
  • Is my registration tax deductible?
    • Only a pre-determined portion of our proceeds are going to the Children's Miracle Network. Your registration is, therefore, not tax deductible. If you would like to donate directly to the Children's Miracle Network, use our donation button on our homepage.
  • Can my team be sponsored?
    • Yes, but each team member of a sponsored team must still register individually. It's the reponsiblity of the team to handle sponsorship reimbursement.

Event Day

  • How should I dress?
    • That is up to you! You WILL get muddy, wet and sweaty. Older clothes may be best. For some events it will be cold so you may want to dress warm, then again you may have to swim short distances in this event. So take into account all factors when dressing for an event. Now if you’re going for our costume award or our birthday suit award...
  • Is there a rain date for the Hardcore Mudd Run?
    • HA HA HA! We at HMR pray for rain on event day! NO rain dates!
  • What happens if I miss my event start time?
    • If you miss your event start time, no problem. You and/or your team may start at the very next start time.
  • Can I run the course twice?
    • Yes, if you are that HARDCORE, do it. We at HMR want you to get your money’s worth.
  • How long does the course take to complete?
    • This depends on a lot of things like your level of physical fitness, the event location and event distance. We estimate between 1 and 4 hours.
  • What time should I arrive?
    • This all depends on parking and if the event is sold out. You should allow yourself 2 hours before your start time.
  • What do I do upon Arrival?
    • You want to preceed right to event check-in and pick up your packet, drop off or sign your suicide waiver and attach your bib number. After that, you need to proceed to the mud run start area and wait for your start. At this point try not to puke!
  • Are there first-aid stations on the course?
    • Yes, depending on the length of the course there should be 2 to 4 first-aid stations.
  • Do I need to do every obstacle?
    • Yes and No. You must attempt all obstacles. If you try and fail you may walk around and continue on. Now, if you do NOT attempt the obstacle at all, you will be stripped of you bib number and you may continue on the course; however you will NOT receive your HMR dog tags at the end of the event. Most importantly, you will NOT be able to call yourself HARDCORE!
  • Is swimming required?
    • Yes, there may be parts of the mud run where you need to swim. (You could float, but swimming is faster.) You are more the welcome to wear a life vest if desired. We will have a lifeguard at the bigger water obstacles.
  • Is this race timed?
    • No, this is NOT a race and it is not timed. It’s an event!
  • Do I have to be in "good shape" for this event?
    • No, if you think you’re out of shape for this event, you can take your time and walk the course at your own pace. Then enjoy the after party. This event is more about mental stamina than physical stamina.
  • What do I get for finishing?
    • If you still have your bib number at the end of the mud run, you will receive HMR dog tags. Most importantly, the right to call yourself HARDCORE!
  • Is there a time limit for finishing?
    • No, you can take your time to finish the course. The only time limit is the sun. If it goes down, we will escort you with flashlights or ask you to exit the course.
  • Do teams have to finish together?
    • Yes, this event is about teamwork and camaraderie. We at HMR believe in "No Person Left Behind". Now, if a person on your team gets injured on the course and has to be taken off, the team may continue without their teammate. If a teammate is hurt and wishes to continue on the course the team may NOT leave their teammate behind.
  • Will there be any entertainment?
    • Yes, we will have a live band at the post party for all Full or Extreme events.
  • Will there be food and/or alcohol?
    • Yes, food and alcohol will be for sale at Full and Extreme events for spectators, unless limited by venue management. For participants over the age of 21... TWO FREE BEERS!
  • What do I do if I get injured?
    • If you get injured (NOT seriously hurt) on the course, put your hand up in the air and yell for a “MEDIC”. All other participants should stop and do the same so it’s easier for EMS workers to find the injured participant on the course. If you see someone seriously hurt, go immediately to an obstacle staff and they will call for EMS.
  • Are pets allowed?
    • On the course? Are you kidding me. NO! For spectators, it’s up to the event location host. That information will be posted on our website for each location.
  • Will there be prizes?
    • Yes, we have awards for BEST Costume, BEST Birthday suit, longest distance traveled, most adversity overcome, brotherhood and sisterhood award and largest team completed.

After the event (post party)

  • Where can I get cleaned off?
    • Our friends at the fire company would love to do some training and spray you off. Some events will have showers, if possible.
  • Where can I purchase Hardcore Mudd Run gear?
    • HMR gear can be purchased at the event or online.
  • When does the post party start and end?
    • The post party starts at noon and goes till sundown.