Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ’s)
Here are a few answers to the most commonly asked questions. If you can not find an answer to your question please contact us!
REGISTRATION
Are the Additional Fees listed per person or per team?
Additional Fees are listed per TEAM.
Is the registration fee per person, or per team?
Registration fee is listed per person. At checkout however, you will be required to pay the team’s registration fee in full- you and your buddy. Registration fees vary depending on the date when you register. Please see the individual event pages for the planned schedule of price increases.
Do you offer refunds or transfers?
Sorry we do not offer race refunds or transfers into another race. If your buddy can’t join you in the Mud Pit, we do allow you to switch your Partner in Grime. For more information on our policies, visit our policies page.
HELP! My Buddy quit on me, what can I do?
What happened? Your Buddy wimp out over a little mud? Don’t sweat it. If it is TWO WEEKS before the race and you have another bud you want to bring along, please submit a buddy change request. Please note these requests must be received one week prior to race day. For example, if the race was on Saturday, June 8th the Change of Buddy Request Form must be received by Friday, May 24th. No exceptions will be made to this policy.
If it is within two weeks of my race and my Buddy quit on me, what can I do?!
No worries! Visit the solutions booth when you pick up your packet on Race Morning or at Packet Pick up. Make sure you have your NEW buddy with you; we will have some questions to ask them! You do not need your original buddy to make this switch, you can leave them at home.
How old do you have to be to participate?
- Muddy Buddy Mud Run: 12 years old
- Muddy Buddy Bike and Run: 14 years old
What is Accidental Insurance Coverage?
We are committed to compliance with prudent levels of insurance coverage, even though we have not had a claim since 2004. This benefit covers all participants who race at a Muddy Buddy Event. Our insurance provider requires accidental insurance coverage for all participants, even if you already have full coverage.
Do I need a Parking Pass?
No, you do not need a parking pass. Parking is included in the cost of registration. The venues recognize that we got your back, and will allow for you to enter at no additional charge! Spectators will not be charged for admission.
PACKET PICK UP
Is there an option to pick up my packet before race morning?
Yes! Each race will have a packet pick up option the day before the event. Times and locations vary depending on the city. Please see each individual event page for more details.
Can I pick up my packet race morning?
Yes! Our registration tent will be open at least an hour and a half before the first start time for you to pick up your packet with your buddy.
What do I need to pick up my packet?
Both you and your buddy must both be present. You will both need to provide your Original Confirmation sheets, and Photo Identification.
Why do I need my buddy to get my packet?
We require you and your buddy to be present together because all of your information is packaged together. We need both of the original signed confirmation sheets before you can pick up your packet. If you both cannot make it to packet pick up you have the option to pick up your packet on race morning.
When will I receive my confirmation sheet/final information?
Race week an email will be sent with final information. If you do not receive an email the information will be posted to the individual event page race week.
I did not receive the link to print off my confirmation sheet, how do I pick up my packet?
The confirmation sheet link will be posted to the website the day before packet pick up. See each individual event page.
Help! My confirmation sheet won’t print!
We got you covered, we are Buddies after all! There will be blank confirmation sheets available on site when you pick up your packet. Make sure you look up your bib number and have your ID ready.
COURSE INFORMATION
What is the difference between the Muddy Buddy Mud Run and the Muddy Buddy Bike and Run?
In both races you and your partner in grime will take on 5-10 obstacles and then get muddy in the 50-foot mud pit. The Muddy Buddy Run is a straight running race 3-4.5 miles long. Buddies will work together to climb, jump and crawl through 8-10 obstacles. The Bike & Run ranges from 5-7 miles and has 5-8 obstacles. Each buddy will navigate the course, alternating biking and running every mile in true leap frog style.
How far do I have to run?
- Muddy Buddy Mud Run is approximately 3-4.5 miles.
- Muddy Buddy Bike & Run race is approximately 5-7 miles. Each partner in the Muddy Buddy Bike & Run will complete the entire course by running about 3 miles and biking about 3 miles.
The week before each event the course map will be posted with exact distances and elevation levels. Check each individual event page for more information!
What are the obstacles?
Obstacles are designed to fit the landscape of each venue individually, but past events have showcased a cargo net crawl, a low wall, balance beams, cargo net climb; Check out the 2012 obstacles in these MUDDY ANIMATION VIDEOS. At every race, teams will have to conquer the famous Mud Pit before crossing the finish line together as a team.
I checked out the obstacles… Some of them look hard, do I have to do them ALL?
The number 1 goal (behind safety) is to have fun with your Partner in Grime. If you think an obstacle is not for you, no worries! However, to be eligible for an award you and your buddy must complete all obstacles.
How hard is the course?
The terrain varies in most cities from paved, gravel, dirt and trail. There will be some hills. Please see the elevation changes and the course map to find out the difficulty of the climbs. The course will be somewhat challenging, yet most courses do not require technical mountain biking experience. Muddy Buddy is intended for all levels of athletes.
Where do I find the course map and elevation chart?
A course map and elevation chart will be posted the week of the event. Please note the maps will not be to scale.
START AND FINISH TIMES
What time does the race start?
- Muddy Buddy Mud Run will have 4-5 waves starting between 6:30am and 7:30am depending on the city.
- Muddy Buddy Bike and Run will start between 10:30 and 10:45
See the individual event page for exact start times.
What is the average finish time?
- Muddy Buddy Mud Run: Teams will finish between 40 minutes and 1.5 hours.
- Muddy Buddy Bike and Run: Teams will finish between 45 minutes and 2 hours.
Finish times will vary depending on the length of the course. To see average finish time from last year events seeRESULTS
BIKE AND RUN
During the Muddy Buddy Bike & Run race do you and your partner have to trade off running and biking or can each person choose what to do?
You must trade off. One partner runs while the other bikes. You switch tasks at each obstacle/transition area.
How do the transitions work?
The person biking will reach the obstacle, drop the bike in the designated area, complete the obstacle and begin running. The runners will then arrive, complete the obstacle, find their bike, and begin biking. Most likely, they will pass their teammate running along the course. If you cannot find your bike, DO NOT begin running! Wait for your teammate to arrive with the bike and switch as usual.
Should I start running or biking first?
The Muddy Buddy Bike & Run will be divided into 6 legs. Each racer will ride the bike for 3 legs and run for 3 legs. We recommend you take a look at the course map and peak at the elevation changes to determine which legs have uphill and downhill stretches. We recommend the better biker tackle the uphill portions.
Do I need my own bike to compete in the Bike and Run?
Yes. Muddy Buddy does not provide bikes on site. There is a possibility that an event will have a partnership with a local bike shop and rentals will be available. Please check each individual event page for local partnerships.
Do my buddy and I share a bike?
Yes. If your buddy is a different height, we suggest marking the bike post so that you can easily adjust the seat when you trade off at each obstacle. YOU DO NOT NEED A BIKE FOR THE MUDDY BUDDY MUD RUN!
MINI MUDDY BUDDY
Do I have to go through the Mud Pit with my mini?
If your child is under the age of 7 you will be required to accompany them through the Mud Pit.
Do I need to sign up to go with my child through the Mud Pit?
No, parents do not need to sign up or pay for an additional entry into the Mini Muddy Buddy to participate with their child. Parents with children 4-6 are required to accompany their child.
EVENT INFOIf you’ve not been to a Muddy Buddy before, make sure you get there!

HISTORYThe root of Muddy Buddy date back to 1981. Read about the history here

VOLUNTEERCalling all Muddy Buddies! Know anyone looking to support your race?

FAQIs the Entry Fee per person, or per team? Other frequently asked questions













