As St. Louis’ greatest show on dirt, The Battlegrounds has cause to celebrate: This year marks its fifth anniversary in business.  

The local run, which included participants from 29 states at its last race, has garnered international attention as an official qualifying venue for the industry’s worldwide organization.

The Battlegrounds, St. Louis’ largest permanent mud run obstacle course, will hold its eighth biannual race Saturday, May 21, beginning at 8 a.m. Runners can select to destroy either a 5k or 5-mile mud run, where they will experience the demands of more than 30 military-themed obstacles for those who want to test their physical and mental abilities. The Battlegrounds is located at 11008 Schreckengast rd. in Wright City, next to Cedar Lake Cellars winery and event venue.

New to the race this year is a series of training sessions for interested runners. Kickoff dates are Saturdays, March 12 and 19, for $25 per class. An eight-week program consecutively runs from Saturday, March 26, through Saturday, May 16 at various locations, including The Battlegrounds and at sponsor KōR Komplex, which is an indoor obstacle course located at 546 First Capitol Drive in St. Charles.  

The cost is $25 per session or $150 for the entire eight-week program. 

The Battlegrounds is St. Louis’ only permanent qualifying event venue for the Obstacle Course Racing World Championships (OCRWC). Runners can participate in their upcoming international race by finishing in The Battlegrounds’ top 15 for their gender (in the 18-40 or 41-and-older age groups) in either the 5k or 5-mile distance.

Unlike its competition, The Battlegrounds features plenty of freebies, including free spectator admission so guests can watch their loved ones from many course vantage points. Free parking, free gear check and a free kids’ mud zone area for children 12-and-under are available, as well as the unusual amenity of on-site showers for mud run participants. Post-event activities include individual and group award presentations, a festival area with food and drinks and walkable access to the adjacent Cedar Lake Cellars winery.

The run’s obstacles, which vary each year to ensure new challenges, include the signature Torpedo Launcher, a 100-foot water slide that empties into a 12-foot-deep water pit. Other highlights include The Gauntlet, which is six lanes of varying difficulties situated over an 8-foot-deep water pit. The Battlegrounds incorporates all types of terrains, including creeks, woods, fields and valleys that add to the intense level of competition. 

The Battlegrounds will host an exclusive wave designated for elite runners to race others with similar abilities. The 8 a.m. wave is limited to the first 250 runners, including both individual and four-person teams, who can maintain an eight minute 30-second mile pace. Awards are available for elite-run individuals, as well as teams of four that can be comprised of men, women or a combination of both.

All participants must be 18 years of age or older.  

The race costs $70 per person before Jan. 29, $80 before Feb. 26, $90 before March 25, $100 before April 29, $120 before May 20 and $140 the day of race.  Groups of five or more are highly encouraged to register. For more information, call (314) 569-3005 (extension 114) or visit the website at www.thebattlegrounds.com.

Courtesy thebattlegrounds.com