Man vs. Mountain race returns for its fifth year
The Man vs. Mountain obstacle course race returns to Mount Pleasant Feb. 2 to challenge participants to complete a variety of obstacles while fighting the frigid temperatures of winter.
The fifth-annual 5k race allows community members of all skill sets to race against each other and complete 14 obstacles.
“The obstacles are definitely a challenge, but they were also made to be completed by all ages and skill sets of the participants,” said race coordinator Steve Hofer.
Some obstacles include climbing over walls, walking across balance beams and army crawling through the snow. A full list of the obstacles and tips on how a participant can conquer that obstacle can be found on the Man vs. Mountain website.
Hofer said that the race originated through the Mount Pleasant Convention and Visitors Bureau.
“We wanted to create a fun and unique event that would bring people to Mount Pleasant at a time when not a lot of outdoors events are going on and it’s cold,” he said. “And it has worked. We currently have around 400 people signed up for the race.”
The race course will begin at Mountain Town Station and run through downtown Mount Pleasant, through the city’s parks and streets and along the Chippewa River.
New this year is the Kid vs. Crag race. This is a kid’s version of Man vs. Mountain that participants between 4-9 years-old can run a half-mile course with about eight obstacles. Participants can run as many laps as they want for 25 minutes and will be given medals at the end.
Participants 10 years and older can choose to run the course for fun or competitively. Both standard and competitive groups will be split up into their own waves with scattered starts. Cash prizes will be awarded to the top three competitive male and female participants.
The first competitive wave will begin at 9:30 a.m. The first wave of standard runners will begin at 9:45 a.m.
After the races, participants are invited to an after-party at Mountain Town Station to celebrate with food and beverages including a specialty Man vs. Mountain craft beer for participants 21 years and older.
Day-of registration will be available at Mountain Town Station.
Registration prices range between $45 to $75, but a $5 off coupon code can be used for online registration. Participants can register online at the Man vs. Mountain website. It’s recommended that participants arrive 30 minutes before their wave time with a photo ID.
