MuckFest MS Chicago
1 / 9
6 +
MuckFest MS Chicago
Not quite ready to book?
Save this event for later and come back to it when you're ready.
Event passed
Results & Photos
About
MuckFest is a high-octane blast from start to finish, with mud so thick and obstacles so big and bold that your athleticism will be tested and leave you wanting more. This 5K run features a one-of-a-kind course packed with 18+ outrageous obstacles surrounded by mud-filled pits, trenches, and craters. Thousands of runners will laugh their way through the route as they slip, slide, jump, climb, and crawl to muddy glory.Beyond the muddy adventure out on the course, there’s a mission behind the muck: participants can choose to fundraise for the National MS Society whose mission is to help people affected by MS live their best lives as we stop MS in its tracks, restore what has been lost and end MS forever. 100% of funds raised by MuckFest participants benefit the Society, with over $30 million raised to date.
5K
View details
Sat, Aug 17, 2019
View logistics
Grayslake, United States
View location
You may also like
Perks of booking with Let's Do This
Best price guarantee
We care about customer satisfaction
The event experience
📣
Atmosphere
Based on the number of participants
Where and when
Location
Lake County Fairgrounds, 1060 E Peterson Rd, Grayslake, IL 60030, USA
Start times
Saturday, Aug 17, 2019
5K : 9:00 AM
Event summary
Here are the distances available for MuckFest MS Chicago
5K
5km
$70 - $95
Route information
THE MUCKING AWESOME CORRAL, START & OBSTACLES
Muckin' Corral
Let the mucky shenanigans begin! Runners assemble here for some unorthodox calisthenics of the muddy variety.
Start
Released from the Muckin' Corral, you may hoot, holler or otherwise screech with delight as you go forth to muck it.
Triple Pits
Slippery slapstick starts with three muddy ups and downs. There will be helping hands all around for any mud-mired mucker.
Big Balls
One big, swinging pair is never enough, so navigate nine huge ones over muddy pits. This is a bangin' photo op!
Tunnel of Love
No stopping for a smooch. Just crawl through and keep it PG-13, you dirty so-and-so. Hopefully you've been nice to your friends so they don't spin the tunnels on you too hard.
Shake & Quake
This no-hands water crossing over a mesh bridge will give you a serious case of the Jelly Legs. Sweet talk the volunteers or they may blast you with a special surprise from the muck cannon.
This no-hands water crossing over a mesh bridge will give you a serious case of the Jelly Legs. Sweet talk the volunteers or they may blast you with a special surprise from the muck cannon.
Spider Web
First, pass below through a tangled web of elasticized mayhem. Later, climb above and say Hello to our giant arachnid, Steve.
First, pass below through a tangled web of elasticized mayhem. Later, climb above and say Hello to our giant arachnid, Steve.
The Spinner
Hang on tight and test your strength over a half-moon lagoon. Watch for acrobatics from circus-minded muckers.
Flying Muckers
A zippy 35-foot zip-line stops short and ends with a spectacular splash. Tarzan yells expected. Loincloths optional.
Walk On Water
It's a bouncy hop, skip and a jump atop a floating, pontoon barrel bridge, and it makes you feel pretty awesome.
It's a bouncy hop, skip and a jump atop a floating, pontoon barrel bridge, and it makes you feel pretty awesome.
Spill Hill
A big, muddy, slippery-slidey, up-and-down hill. Conquering it will take teamwork, a sense of humor, and a bit of elbow grease, whatever that is.
A big, muddy, slippery-slidey, up-and-down hill. Conquering it will take teamwork, a sense of humor, and a bit of elbow grease, whatever that is.
Slither
Make like a snake or squirm like a worm as you wriggle your way to daylight.
Make like a snake or squirm like a worm as you wriggle your way to daylight.
Slippy Sloppy
This is one slippery slope to a mucktacular water entry.
This is one slippery slope to a mucktacular water entry.
Skid Mark
If your backside wasn't muddy before, it will be after you pull yourself through this mucky pit. Pro tip: shake out your shorts as you exit.
If your backside wasn't muddy before, it will be after you pull yourself through this mucky pit. Pro tip: shake out your shorts as you exit.
Mt. Muck-Imanjaro
You'll love the view from the top of this high ropey summit. Meditate on your epic awesomeness.
Crash Landing
Your stunt double dreams fulfilled! Take a flying leap then take a bow for fans and muddy minions.
Tight Rope
Criss-crossing ropes above and below create a muck-tacular intersection in the middle of the water. Sorry, it's the traffic cop's day off.
Criss-crossing ropes above and below create a muck-tacular intersection in the middle of the water. Sorry, it's the traffic cop's day off.
Belly Crawl
Just like when you were a baby, except without the soiled drawers. Oh wait... never mind.
Just like when you were a baby, except without the soiled drawers. Oh wait... never mind.
Finish
You did it! Try and cross arm-in-arm or hand-in-hand with your team. Strike a muck-heroic pose, take a bow, and wave to your squad or minions or gaggle of groupies. Give Puck the Muck Duck a rub for a world free of MS!
You did it! Try and cross arm-in-arm or hand-in-hand with your team. Strike a muck-heroic pose, take a bow, and wave to your squad or minions or gaggle of groupies. Give Puck the Muck Duck a rub for a world free of MS!
FURTHER COURSE DETAILS and FAQs
Do we know the depth of the muck before and after obstacles?
Most obstacles have water less than 4 feet deep. Obstacles over 5 feet will have lifeguards.
What if I can't complete an obstacle?
Safety is our top priority, so we would never ask you to do something you're uncomfortable with. You are free to walk around any obstacle you like without penalty.
What if I don't know how to swim?
We have lifeguards on all obstacles with water over 5 feet deep. If you don't feel comfortable taking on an obstacle, you are welcome to skip it.
We have lifeguards on all obstacles with water over 5 feet deep. If you don't feel comfortable taking on an obstacle, you are welcome to skip it.
What is the average time it takes to make it through the course?
This is totally dependent on the participant, but it takes most participants 45 to 90 minutes to complete the course.
This is totally dependent on the participant, but it takes most participants 45 to 90 minutes to complete the course.
Organizer route images
What's included
Conquer the 5K course with friends and afterward, proudly wear your new MuckFest t-shirt and hoist your free beer in the MuckFestival as you re-live the adventure and celebrate your accomplishment.
- Free MuckFest Participant Shirt
- A Free Beer
- All Day MuckFestival Access
- Free Race Day Photos
- Snack Bag
How to get there
Lake County Fairgrounds, 1060 E Peterson Rd, Grayslake, IL 60030, USA
Get full directionsLOCATION
Lake County Fairgrounds, 1060 E. Peterson Rd, Grayslake, IL 60030
PARKING
Is free
Event day logistics
REGISTRATION and CHECK-IN
Registration and Check-in opens at 7:30 a.m., and we advise you to arrive at the site approximately 60 minutes before your wave start time. (Due to off-site parking and shuttles to the New Jersey event site, runners in New Jersey only should arrive 90 minutes before their wave start time.) This will give you enough time to check-in, get your bib, and meet up with your team or spectating family and friends.
Registration and Check-in opens at 7:30 a.m., and we advise you to arrive at the site approximately 60 minutes before your wave start time. (Due to off-site parking and shuttles to the New Jersey event site, runners in New Jersey only should arrive 90 minutes before their wave start time.) This will give you enough time to check-in, get your bib, and meet up with your team or spectating family and friends.
Do I need to bring my ID to check-in?
Yes! Please bring your photo ID to the event site for check-in. If you are 21 or older, you will also need to show your ID at the beer tent.
Yes! Please bring your photo ID to the event site for check-in. If you are 21 or older, you will also need to show your ID at the beer tent.
Can I check in for my friend?
Nope! Each person is required to pick up their own bib, so please bring a photo ID to the event.
Nope! Each person is required to pick up their own bib, so please bring a photo ID to the event.
Can my team captain check in for our team?
Nope! Each person is required to pick up their own bib.
Nope! Each person is required to pick up their own bib.
START TIME
The first wave/start time is at 9:00 a.m, and then every 20 minutes until approximately 2:00 p.m.
The first wave/start time is at 9:00 a.m, and then every 20 minutes until approximately 2:00 p.m.
THE MUCKFEST EVENT EXPERIENCE
The fun starts in the Muckin' Corral
The music’s pumpin’. The mud is thick. And you’re lined up with your team, getting ready to go in the Muckin’ Corral. But this ain’t no rodeo, my friend! Our Master of Shenanigans, Emcee Al, is there to get you primed and mucky. We don’t want to give away too much, but be prepared to try out some, shall we say, unorthodox warm-up routines. Think Mucky Pilates or Dirty Yoga or Zany Muddercize.
Going over, under or through epic obstacles
You have 18 of some of the best obstacles in the world at this event.
The party starts at the finish line
When you and your team cross the finish line, strike a muck-heroic pose, then ring the bell to create a world free of MS. But this thing isn’t over until you’ve figured out who had the most epic spill of the day. Shower off, grab a beer, then make a mucky toast to your accomplishment. You and your team earned it.
Spectator Info
Is the event free for spectators?
Spectators are free, and so is their front-row seat for the Start, Finish and several signature obstacles.
Will there be food for spectators to purchase?
Yes! Food vendors will be on-site for spectators to purchase food and drinks.
Can spectators see any obstacles?
Yes, spectators can access the festival area and will be able to see parts of the course to cheer on friends and family.
Is the festival area accessible?
We do everything we can to plan for the festival areas to be accessible to all spectators.
We do everything we can to plan for the festival areas to be accessible to all spectators.
Can spectators try out the course?
Nope! Because of legal concerns, spectators cannot try out the course.
Nope! Because of legal concerns, spectators cannot try out the course.
Is there a place for spectators to eat lunch with participants?
Yes! There are tables and chairs in the festival area for participants and spectators.
Yes! There are tables and chairs in the festival area for participants and spectators.
Can spectators bring their own food and non-alcoholic beverages?
Yes, but purchase it on-event to avoid the hassle of coolers and keeping food fresh!
Yes, but purchase it on-event to avoid the hassle of coolers and keeping food fresh!
Can spectators bring in their own beer or other alcoholic beverages?
Nope! Beer can only be purchased on-site. Outside beer and other alcoholic beverages are prohibited.
Nope! Beer can only be purchased on-site. Outside beer and other alcoholic beverages are prohibited.
Can I bring my own tent?
Muckers, friends and family can enjoy our large tent in the festival area for shade, but individuals cannot bring their own tent for safety reasons.
Muckers, friends and family can enjoy our large tent in the festival area for shade, but individuals cannot bring their own tent for safety reasons.
FAQs
TOP MUCKFEST FAQWill I get to run with my team?
For an event day where total runner capacity has not been reached, teams that register at least two weeks out from the event will be placed in the same wave time.
When do I receive my wave time?
Approximately 10 to 14 days before the event, we will manually assign specific wave/start times, doing everything possible to keep teams together and starting at the same time. We will notify participants via email when their wave/start times are posted in the Participant Center - link below.https://secure.nationalmssociety.org/site/SPageServer/
?
pagename=HOM_MUCK_TR_participant_center_selection. If you register after the assignments are made and before online registration closes, then your wave/start time assignment will appear in your Participant Center on Thursday, two days before the event.
How do I join a team?
In Step 3 of the registration process, select “Join an existing team.” Then you can search for the team name or for your team captain’s name. Click on the team to join it.
Where do I keep my personal belongings?
We have a Key Check area that uses a tag from your registration bib to identify your belongings. We have limited space in Key Check, so please only bring what is absolutely necessary to store. We recommend you leave valuables and the rest of your belongings either in the car or with a spectator.
REGISTRATION FAQsHow old does a participant have to be to participate in MuckFest?
Participants must be at least 10 years of age on the day of the event. Participants who are 10 to 17 must be accompanied by a parent or on-event guardian. The ratio of guardian to minor-aged runners is 1 to 3. The free Lil' Muckers area is designed for kids too young to run the MuckFest course. Please form a team for you and your minor-aged runners so that we will be sure to assign you all to the same start time.
What if my child who is 10 to 17 wants to participate but I don't want to participate?
You are able to give an adult friend/relative that is registered to run permission to act as the guardian for your child. The parent or guardian agrees to the waiver upon registration giving the minor the ability to participate and be accompanied by an adult at all times.
Why can't I use the same email address for multiple registrations?
To avoid the creation of duplicate accounts in the system and redundant email delivery, each registration must have a unique email address.
Is my registration transferable?
Registrations are non-transferable.
Can I register on-event?
Yes, pending wave availability. Visit the participant check-in tent to register on-event.WAVE FAQsCan I reserve a wave/
start time for myself or my team?
For a $10 fee at the time of registration, you may purchase a guaranteed wave time. Each individual team member MUST purchase the wave upgrade in order to run together in this wave. Please note that quantities are limited and will sell out. We are unable to reserve wave/start times for individuals after the time of registration—no exceptions.
Does my entire team run in the same wave?
Yes! In most cases, teams that register at least two weeks out from the event will be placed in the same wave time. When an event day reaches total runner capacity, it may not be possible for teams to be assigned the same wave/start time. Runners will be notified when an event day has reached capacity.
What if I want to change my team wave time?
Team wave times are not changeable.
Why does MuckFest limit the size of waves?
We limit the size of waves for the safety of our participants and to avoid long lines at our obstacles.
TEAM FAQsDoes all of my team run in the same wave?
In most cases, teams that register at least two weeks out from the event will be placed in the same wave time. Runners will receive an email 10 to 14 days out from the event informing your team of your wave time. Please note that when an event day reaches total runner capacity, it may not be possible for teams to be assigned the same wave/start time. Runners will be notified when an event day has reached capacity.
Is there a fundraising minimum for my team?
We don't require you to fundraise, but we will love you if you do! Please support the National MS Society with a donation, and ask your family, friends and neighbors to support your participation in this event with a donation as well.
How can I see who is on my team?
Visit your Team Page in the Participant Center to see who is on your team.
PRE-MUCK EVENT DAY FAQsCan I bring my own tent?
Muckers, friends and family can enjoy our large tent in the festival area for shade, but individuals cannot bring their own tent for safety reasons.
EVENT DAY FAQsCan I bring my dog to the event?
Nope! Except for service animals, pets are not permitted at MuckFest.
Will my event get canceled or rescheduled if there is bad weather?
While MuckFest is designed to take place rain or shine, we reserve the right to cancel or reschedule the event if we fear for participant safety.
POST-MUCK EVENT DAY FAQSWill there be showers?
We have a public hose-off area where you can rinse the muck off your body, clothes, and shoes. Keep in mind that the water is not heated.
What should I bring to get cleaned up?
You can bring a change of clothes to wear after you get mucky. Feel free to bring your own soap and a towel to dry yourself off if you'd like.
Is there a changing area?
Yes! There are private changing tents provided for your use after the event.
Will MuckFest check my ID at the beer tent?
Yes! MuckFest will check your ID at the beer tent to ensure you are of drinking age.
How many free beers do I get?
Participants over the age of 21 receive 1 free beer.
Will there be non-alcoholic beverages for participants who don't drink or are not 21?
Yes! Water and a variety of soda will be available to participants.
What is the festival area?
The festival area is the place for all Muckers to kick back and bask in their mucky glory. Food, beer and other fun activities are located within this space.
Will I get food after I get mucky?
Yes! Each participant will receive a pick-me-up treat after participating in MuckFest. Food will also be available for purchase.
Can I buy MuckFest t-shirts and swag on-event?
Yes! We have a Merchandise Tent at each event that takes cash and credit cards. No bartering. Sorry.
Reviews
This event currently has no reviews, why not be the first? You could help someone find their perfect event.
Event passed
Results & Photos
