Ruckus: Coming to a Fit (and Fat) City Near You!

Do you live in a fit city? In recent years, a lot of focus has been placed on Americans’ waistlines. The main reason being that obesity dramatically affects a person’s overall health while increasing their chances of developing life threatening diseases like diabetes. Many attribute American’s weight gain to a sedentary lifestyle and love of fast-food.

Men’s Fitness magazine recently compiled a list of 25 of the fittest and fattest cities in the nation. Each list was based on a multitude of factors. The research yielded some interesting factors into what makes a “fat city”. Take, for example, #1 on the list—Houston. Thirty-four percent of its residence is overweight. That number becomes less shocking when you see the factors as to why:

• The city lacks a comprehensive mass transit system that inherently adds more movement to a person’s day. It should also be noted that mass transit correlates to cleaner, more breathable air.
• The city has over 1,034 fast-food restaurants (the most in the country).
• Lastly, Houston’s environment plays a big role.  On average, the city experiences over 100 days of 90 degree plus temperatures along with relative humidity. That makes a workout in outdoors feel like a workout in a sauna.  Because of this, few make the effort to go out and be active.

When you look at the rest of the city on the “fat list”, it’s easy to see patterns like high number of fast-food restaurants, lack of mass transit and high use of cigarettes and alcohol. When combined with sedentary lifestyles, a recipe of self-destruction is born.

But what makes a fit city?

The obvious indicators are active citizens and an active culture. Upcoming Ruckus city, Boston, rounds out the top 5 fittest cities in America. Bostonians spend 92% less than the national average on fast-food. Boston also has an engaged mass transit system and active culture that keeps its residence on the move.

So does that mean that all of our Ruckus cities are “fit cities”? Not necessarily.

We are looking to help change the way America works out—in both the “fit” and “fat” cities.  We made sure to schedule Ruckus mud runs in a variety of cities—from the East to West coasts and all areas in between no matter “fit” or “fat” they may be.  As a matter of fact, three Ruckus cities are on the “fat” list (#20 Atlanta, #22 Kansas City, #23 St. Louis). Our goal here at Ruckus is to motivate communities by stimulating an active culture and showing how fun exercise can be! Just because these cities are on the fat list now doesn’t mean they’ll stay on the fat list forever! Bringing Ruckus to a city is the first step in the right direction! 

What cities should Ruckus come to next? Leave a comment!

Boston, Ruckus is Headed Your Way!

With the first of the 2013 Ruckus runs now in the books, we look forward to the next location: Boston!  Yes, we are headed eastward to bring the mud, obstacles and fun to one of the busiest and coolest cities in the nation. 

With just over two months before the big dates (yes, there are heats on both June 15 and June 16), there is still time to get to training, and more importantly, sign up.  Spots are filling up quickly, so get your team together (or sign up individually) and select your heat time.

Ruckus Boston has a little bit of something for everyone – Ruckus Mini for the kids, the 2-mile Heater race for competitors of all skill levels, and the taxing 4-mile Challenge, in which the top 10% of finishes from each division compete in a Champions heat.

We can’t wait to see you out at the Marshfielfd Fieldgrounds in mid-June where you will officially become a RuckStar!  Sign up today for Ruckus Boston.  

Why It’s Important to Face Your Fears

One word comes up a lot when we talk to people about Ruckus: fear. So many people we interact with at our mud runs open up about how they were so hesitant to participate because they were afraid.  But after completing the obstacle course, they feel empowered, strong and brave. In other words, they realize who they’ve always been beneath all the fear.

What is fear?

Fear can take many forms, whether that’s a quiet voice that eats away at self-confidence or a debilitating shout that cripples our sense of possibility. We’re often tempted to avoid our fear triggers at all costs, when in reality, consistent avoidance of fear gives our fear more power over us.

Am I alone in my fear?

When it comes to Kansas City Ruckus, we’re no stranger to the fears people feel – fear of failure, fear of injury, fear of looking silly, even fear of heights—because these are common fears. The important thing to remember about fear is that by no means are you ever the only person feeling what you’re feeling. Odds are every single person at the starting line is facing large and small fears too, and their fears are probably very similar to your own.

Why should I face my fears?

Left unchecked, fear can dominate your mindset and limit your possibilities. Facing fear is hard to do, but necessary to live a truly boundless life. The unknown wasn’t meant to be unknown forever, and it’s our job to take the risk of doing new things so we may expand our world. Facing fears allows us to see new ventures as opportunities and not obligation. And, most importantly, facing our fears means finding out what we’re truly made of—and we’ll often be surprised by the results! We can do more than we think, and facing fears ensures we aren’t selling ourselves short.

Just remember—fear is normal, you are not alone in feeling it, but you should do everything you can to face it. That’s why we created Ruckus in the first place. We want to see people living their lives to the fullest, unhindered by fear. We hope you’ll join us for the wild adventure!

5 Most Common Mud Run Injuries

Unfortunately, participating in any sporting event runs you the risk of injury, and mud runs are no exception! We stress the importance of having a great time at Ruckus, but just as important is being safe.  We encourage all competitors to be weary of some possible injuries that may also result from a mud run (and we will give you tips on how to prevent them, too!): 

1.      Heat-related injuries

As you know, Ruckus comes to Kansas City on April 6.  Spring season will be in full force and there is always the chance for a summer-like scorcher (especially with the unpredictable weather in the Midwest!).  Additionally, our Ruckus races will be held in the middle of summer in both Boston (June 15 & 16) and Pittsburgh (July 13).  Being fully hydrated and nourished before, during and after the mud race is absolutely crucial.  More important than stretching or a few pre-race striders is ensuring that your body has the necessary nutrients to take on some daunting obstacles.  So make sure you show up to Ruckus ready for battle, armed with the essentials: water, sports drinks and of course, bananas (but we will provide you with that too!). 

2.      Sprained ankles

During the Ruckus run, you will use just about every muscle, bone and tendon in your body.  But your feet and legs are still as important as they would be in a road race.  Ankles can sprain easily on something as miniscule as one awkward step; so when running on so many different terrains, solid ground is not always a given.  We recommend maintaining focus on the people and space around you, keeping an eye on uneven ground, as well as other competitor’s feet.  And make sure you train before Ruckus.  If your feet, legs and ankles aren’t strong enough for competition, you run a greater risk of getting injured. 

3.      Random cuts and bruises

Do yourself a favor and stop by the drug store on the way to Ruckus and pick up a pack of Band-Aids.  Sorry folks, but you’re probably going to get a few boo-boos along the way (especially if you’re tackling the obstacles as hard as you can!).  If you don’t get a few cuts and bruises, then you probably skipped a few of the challenges we offer (which is still okay).  With more than 20 fun and difficult obstacles, Ruckus might leave you with a few stories to tell at the water cooler at work on Monday.  Remember: cuts and bruises fade, your Ruckus accomplishment will last a lifetime. 

4.      Rope burn and splinters

 

We know that the word “race” usually implies an emphasis on your lower body, but if you haven’t yet realized that Ruckus is no ordinary race, then it’s time to start catching on.  Your upper body is going to be just as sore the next day!  You will be challenged to pull yourself over eight-foot walls, climb over twisted fences and swing rope-to-rope like Tarzan.  Unless your hands are already calloused, then prepare for a few discolored digits.  But we guarantee you won’t notice any of that before you start enjoying some adult beverages post-race.  To avoid any rope burn or splinters, we recommend wearing padded gloves (like fingerless weight lifting gloves) during the race. 

5.      Damaged egos

Hopefully by now you have talked some family, friends and co-workers into signing up and competing as a team.  With this friendly competition undoubtedly comes a little extra something on the line.  We want each RuckStar to leave it all out on the course, but make sure you save a little extra something for that last kick before the finish line, otherwise your boss or older sibling (or even worse...younger) might pass you.  You may still walk away with a medal, but he or she will also walk away with a year’s worth of bragging rights…and neither ice nor Ibuprofen can heal that!  How can you avoid a damaged ego?  Start training NOW!! 

The Benefits of Breaking Through Your Comfort Zone

At Ruckus, we’re all about having fun. That’s why we created our amazing mud run obstacle course. It’s a place to get muddy, get silly and laugh with the people you love. But Ruckus is also about personal challenge. They don’t call it an obstacle course just because of the stuff between you and the finish line. Obstacles are challenges that must be overcome to achieve a goal, and that often takes a tremendous amount of discomfort. Ruckus will challenge you to get out of your comfort zone. Here’s three reasons why getting out of your comfort zone is a good, even great thing:

1. You will surprise yourself.
Getting out of your comfort zone will allow you the chance to see exactly what you can do...and you may be very surprised by the results! It’s easy to settle into our day-to-day routines and convince ourselves to stay away from challenges. Disruption of regularly scheduled programming is a good thing, and will remind you of just how much you are capable of. The feeling of achievement when you cross the finish line is a memory that will last for years.

2. Discomfort will stir personal growth.
When we are living life purely to pursue comfort, we can slip into a period of internal stagnancy. New, challenging experiences are the things that help us grow as people, not chasing comfort. Unchecked comfort has a tendency to contract our sense of possibility, while periodic experiences of discomfort can help us to remember exactly how we feel when we push past normal boundaries.

3. Your doubt will lose its power.
When we aren’t consistently challenging ourselves, self-doubt can creep in silently. Before we know it, not only are we not pursuing challenges, we’re actively avoiding them. Self-doubt can be crippling, and challenging ourselves in times of doubt will keep us from becoming our own worst enemies.

Facing obstacles and overcoming challenges are two paths toward personal growth. At Ruckus, we care that you have fun, and we care that you are fulfilled. We hope you’ll join us for the challenge!

Learn more from Ruckus on Twitter! @RuckusSports

Congrats to Our Ruckus Caption Contest Winners!

Not too long ago, we asked you to be clever, witty and hilarious and participate in our Ruckus Caption Contest.  Every week, we put out a new awesome Ruckus photo and asked you to come up with a caption for it.

Thanks to our amazing Facebook fans and Instagram followers, we got some great submissions.  But only 4 could win!

Congratulations to the following Ruckus Caption Contest winners—you came up with the best Ruckus captions we’ve ever heard!

Dinah Wiegers proclaims being a trophy wife isn't as easy as it may seem...

Anna Kossen encourages RuckStars to keep up.  

Anytime Fitness of Lawrence, KS knows what Ruckus is all about. 

Kristi Sasnett knows the importance of quality girl time. 

Congrats to Anytime Fitness of Lawrence, KS, Dinah Wiegers, Kristi Sasnett and Anna Kossen!  All 4 of you have won a pair of tickets to Ruckus Kansas City on April 6, 2013!

And a big thanks to everyone who participated in the Ruckus Caption Contest.  We’re glad you had as much fun with it as we did.

‘Nana Power! Why Eat a Banana Before and After Ruckus?

Ever finish a 5K, 10K or half marathon and see a box of bananas at the finish line?  Sometimes, there are so many banana peels covering the finish line of a race that you’d think Donkey Kong had an all-he-could-eat buffet.  We all know bananas are good for us but do we know why we eat them before and after races like Ruckus? 

Apart from being the most popular fruit in America, bananas have loads of carbs and potassium—which make them the perfect pre- and post-race snack. 

Carbohydrates

Carbohydrates often get tagged as being unhealthy, but that’s a myth! There are different types of carbs—some healthy, and some that make people gain weight.  The average banana has about 28 grams of carbs that are easily digested and enter your bloodstream in the form of glucose. During physical activity, glycogen is used as energy. By eating bananas before a race you’re ensuring that you’ll have enough glycogen to power you over through the barricade boulevard. When eaten after a race, bananas refuel your depleted glycogen reserves and aid your body in recovery.

Potassium

One banana contains 13% of the daily recommended value of potassium, a valuable electrolyte lost while sweating. For your body and muscles to perform at their peak, you need minerals like potassium. If you’ve ever had a cramp, it is often because you didn’t have enough of the vital minerals that your muscles needed. The potassium in bananas staves off pesky cramps that can occur during or after a race.

Unleash Your Inner Donkey Kong!

When crossing the finish line at this year’s Ruckus, be sure to go unleash your inner Donkey Kong! In addition to being great sources of potassium and carbs, bananas also contains vitamin B6 which is an anti-inflammatory agent and also contains vitamin C. Rich in fiber and nutrients, bananas will fill what’s empty and help your body recover from the fun and physical activity that awaits you at this year’s Ruckus mud race!  

OMG! Ruckus is on Instagram

Although of you Ruckstars have impressed us with your incredible rope swinging techniques, climbing abilities and mud running talents, you have also impressed us with your amazing photography skills!  Our Ruckus participants have taken some of the coolest photos of their Ruckus experiences—and we love that you’re sharing them with the world!

We felt a little left out—so we joined the world of Instagram!  We are thrilled to start sharing our favorite Ruckus photos and republishing some of YOURS!  Be sure to follow us on Instagram at @RuckusSports and share your muddiest, wildest, most hardcore photos with us.  Tag @RuckusSports in your Ruckus photos and we’ll help you share them with the world!

Get even more social with Ruckus and follow us on Twitter @RuckusSports! 

How to Have Fun on Every Run (Even the Tough Ones!)

Running can be...monotonous.  The same trail run, the same pace on the treadmill, the same routine over and over again can get...well...boring.  So how can you have fun on every single run you do (even the ones that are challenging, difficult, even excruciating?).  We’ve got the four best ways to stay positive, happy and challenged during every single run you do while you train for Ruckus:

Give yourself a challenge

Have you been running at a 6.0/mile pace on the same 3-mile route for a few weeks now?  No wonder you’re bored—you’re not challenging yourself!  Hard work doesn’t just make you fitter, it makes you happier, too.  In a 2011 study conducted by scientists at the Research Institute for Sport and Exercise Sciences in the UK, recreational runners who rated their enjoyment after a steady 50-minute run weren’t nearly as exhilarated than with their performance at a higher intensity.

How can you challenge yourself?  Try mixing a few sprints into your normal run.  This simple change of pace can help you accomplish the challenge you need. 

Run with friends

Although many runners enjoy the peaceful, serene solo run, it’s important to run with friends and family too.  Running with others provides greater satisfaction with exercise, increased motivation to reach goals and greater consistency to perform.

Give yourself a reward

A run will feel even more satisfying when there is a reward involved.  If you hold a certain pace, reward yourself with a yummy dinner.  If you run the furthest you ever have without stopping, treat yourself with a massage the next day.  Give yourself incentives and you’ll find running to be even more fulfilling and more fun.

Switch up the course

If you run the same course over and over again, your brain will no longer be stimulated and your body will no longer be challenged.  Every so often, opt for a different course—explore new trails, drive out to the countryside or discover a new neighborhood.  Find your route using MapMyRun.com beforehand so you know exactly where you’re going.

Make running fun again!  Give these four tips a shot and you’ll not only get in Ruckus shape, but you’ll smile while doing it. 

The Phenomenon of the "Adult Playground"

There is no denying the popularity of mud obstacle courses, but what is causing this new phenomenon? What is inspiring people to cut loose, get dirty and run wild through these challenging adult playgrounds? We’re here to tell you why people ages 2 to 72 can’t help but sign up for these chaotic, rambunctious, über-fantastic mud runs.  Here are the three best reasons why people love to get down and dirty with Ruckus:

Primal Instinct

Climbing, crawling, racing—it’s all a part of our animalistic nature. The instinct to compete and survive is embedded deep inside our DNA. These muddy obstacle courses give us a chance to get in touch with this primal side.

Ruckus puts everybody on an equal playing field. No longer are you a CEO or a student.  You’re an athlete participating in what can only be described as an adventure. These adult playgrounds give you the opportunity to get primal, run wild and be a muddy mess. You’ll be happier than a pig in the mud. Pun intended.

Pure Nostalgia

As children, it’s a normal occurrence to come inside covered in mud after a day of hardcore play.  As an adult, however, you don’t have as many excuses to play in the mud (apart from a mud mask perhaps).  In our opinion, that’s a cryin’ shame. But mud obstacle courses give you the chance to experience your childhood all over again.  Climb across the monkey bars, jump over the “hot lava”, run across the playground, repeat. Sound familiar?

As adults, we need to maintain that imaginative, child-like mindset that we seem to be so fond of.  Ruckus allows us to play. It appeals to the inner-child in each and every one of us. So go ahead— experience the feeling of dried mud on your skin and the excitement of running with reckless abandon. Ruckus is recess from your everyday adult life...and who doesn’t love recess?

Positively Unique

We all strive to be healthy and fit, but let’s face it; running can turn into quite a snoozefest after awhile. Adult playgrounds (like Ruckus) add excitement and fun to the normal marathon routine. Ruckus is the edgy and unique cousin of the marathon (the one you want to hang out with at family reunions). While mud obstacle courses are challenging, even to the fittest people, they’re still undeniably entertaining.

When was the last time you were smiling as you were running? After viewing many of the pictures from Ruckus, it’s obvious that the people who are running it can’t help but enjoy it.  What’s more; Ruckus lets you run with the entire family. With a Ruckus course for every member of the family, anybody can participate in an event.  Even the kids are sure to remember Ruckus for the rest of their lives.

Now it’s our turn to ask you.  Why do you run in mud obstacle courses?  Why do you cause a Ruckus?  

Win a Free Ticket to Ruckus St. Louis!

You'd be smiling too if you won a free ticket to Ruckus St. Louis! 

Dying to go to Ruckus, but just haven’t had the time, energy or expenses to purchase your ticket?  Lucky you—now’s your chance to win a FREE ticket to compete in Ruckus St. Louis on May 5^th!

How can you win?  It’s simple.  Like us on Facebook and tell us the main reason why you should compete in Ruckus St. Louis for free. 

Have an inspirational story?  A milestone you’re looking to meet?  A cool reason you want to join a specific team?  Let us know! You and five others could win the chance to compete in Ruckus St. Louis—for free!  We will be giving out six free registrations—so tell us why you deserve it today.  Winners will be announced on Monday, April 30th. 

Have you already registered for Ruckus St. Louis but have an awesome reason why you should go for free?  Comment or post your reason on Facebook anyway and we will reimburse you for your ticket.  

What are you waiting for?  Cause a Ruckus with us and tell us your story today. 

Ruckus as a Stress Ball

Stress balls have been used for centuries.  In fact, these squishy, malleable balls have been used in Chinese medicine since the dawn of time.  And still today, stress balls are found in desk drawers, on nightstands, and in the anxious palms of the typical stressed-out soul. 

But why do stress balls work?  The continuous action of muscle contraction and relaxation relieves muscle tension and actually allows us to feel more relaxed and rhythmical.  Stress balls have a therapeutic value—they have been proven to help lighten mental loads and relieve bodily tension.

But squeezing a stress ball is only one way to relieve the tension and stress that pulses through the human body.  There is, in fact, be an even better way to achieve ultimate relief: exercise.

Ruckus can squeeze and smash stress away just as good as soft rubber ball out there.  Why?

Ruckus gets you away from it all

Stress knocks on our doors for many different reasons.  Disease, death in the family, work, family life and financial insecurity seem to be the biggest core areas of stress.  But when a person is in their “zone”, most of these stressors are left behind.  Exercise allows us to clear our heads and “get away from it all”. 

Muscle contraction and relaxation

The reason we love stress balls so much is because they allow the muscles in our arms to contract and relax.  But Ruckus allows for muscle contraction and relaxation on a whole new level.  Because Ruckus combines running with intense (and usually muddy) challenges, your muscles have time to relax in between our crazy obstacles.  Ruckus truly is muscle confusion at its finest.  

Ruckus is rewarding

Squeezing a stress ball can only get you so far.  Once you’re finished palming it to death, you don’t necessarily feel a burning sense of accomplishment.  But when you cross the Ruckus finish line or slide down Mount Ruckmore, we promise you will feel like a stress-free winner.    

Post-Ruckus endorphin rush

Although regular exercise does help us smash stress, mixing up workouts relieves tension even better.  If you’re bored with your routine, you may not experience the normal post-gym endorphin rush, making exercise less effective as a stress fighter than it could be.  Ruckus, on the other hand, allows you to try something new and gives you the chance to combine physical exertion with a bit of benign risk-taking. 

Many Ruckus runners sign up for our muddy obstacle courses because they want to feel that sense of accomplishment.  Others participate because their friends and family members are doing it too.  Yet others get down and dirty during Ruckus just to experience a fun weekend adventure.  But if you’re looking to sign up for something to relieve stress, clear your mind or rejuvenate your mental health, Ruckus may also be just the ticket.  Think of it as a jumbo, muddy, slippery stress ball, designed with you in mind.  

Sneak Peek of Ruckus Kansas City: Our Muddiest Obstacle Course Yet!

When we said that we’re obstacle-running, wall-climbing, mud-throwing athletes, we weren’t kidding.  That’s why we’re bringing Kansas City our muddiest, craziest, most downright adventurous obstacle course yet.  And it all comes together this weekend at Ruckus Kansas City.

Kansas City, are you ready to get down and dirty and cause a Ruckus?  Here is an exclusive sneak peek of what team Ruckus is putting together for you this weekend at the Valley Speedway in Grain Valley, MO!

What could this structure be for?  You’ll find out at Ruckus Kansas City on March 31!  

We hope you’ve been practicing your rope climbing skills! There’s more where this came from...

Hope you're in shape for the tire pit! 

More ropes take over the Ruckus KC obstacle course. 

A nod to the Hunger Games? You'll feel like Katniss in this portion of Ruckus KC!

Because mud brings out your eyes. 

More obstacles, more challenges, more fun! What could this be? 

We hope you're in the mood to take a dip, RuckStars!

The Grand Finale! How will this obstacle bring out your inner Ruckus? 

Plus, we’ve got great news!  The forecast for the day of Ruckus Kansas City (Saturday, March 31) is 61 degrees and partly cloudy.  The perfect weather to get running, get muddy and get competitive!

Care to join us?  Come cheer on the RuckStars throughout almost the entire course (we have the best spectating capabilities of any other obstacle course out there!).  Stop by on Saturday, March 31 at 348 E. Old 40 Highway in Grain Valley, MO and get your Ruckus on!

Are You Team Ruckus Or Are You Ridin' Solo?

Although Jason DeRulo may disagree, here at Ruckus, we believe that there are better things than ridin’ solo.  That’s why we have established Ruckus teams for you to participate in during your next Ruckus run!  What do we mean by teams exactly?  Ruckus teams allow you to register with a group of friends and family—big or small.  Although Ruckus teams are timed individually, teammates tend to add a strong support system throughout the obstacle courses.  After all, what better way to experience some added camaraderie than climbing a 14-foot cargo net with your loved ones? 

But are Ruckus teams for you?  Although a large majority of our participants do run in teams with family and friends, we also have those individuals who prefer to run solo.  But why?  And which one is for you?

Join a Ruckus team if...

• You enjoy (or have excelled in) team sports like basketball, baseball, soccer, football, volleyball or the like. 
• You prefer working out or going to the gym with a buddy.
• You perform better when you’re surrounded by other people.  
• You tend to be competitive with others.
• You naturally are more motivated by the people by your side. 
• You enjoy playing a leadership role and performing team-building skills.
• You’re interpersonal. 
• You have friends or family members that want to run Ruckus with you. 
• You are registering early!  Wave times often sell out fast and you must get in the same wave time as your teammates!

Run Ruckus solo if...

• You enjoy (or have excelled in) individual sports like swimming, golf, gymnastics, running, singles tennis or the like. 
• You like working out alone and getting “in the zone”. 
• You perform better when you only have to rely on yourself.
• You tend to be competitive with yourself or the clock. 
• You are naturally more disciplined.  
• You enjoy self-motivation.
• You’re intrapersonal. 
• You have friends or family members that would prefer to cheer you on during Ruckus rather than running it.

And don’t forget: It’s not too late to register your team for Ruckus St. Louis!  And be sure to learn more about Ruckus teams on our FAQ page.  

Ruckus St. Louis Call for Volunteers!

Do you love running, tough obstacle courses and all things Ruckus? If so, we’re looking for your support! Calling all volunteers, Ruckus evangelists and running fans—here’s your chance to do your part and give back to the Ruckus community!

Ruckus St. Louis is currently looking for volunteers to help out during the May 5^th event at the GCS Ballpark (Sauget, IL). Volunteers must be at least 16 years of age and must be available on May 5^th during Ruckus St. Louis.

What are the incentives? If you put together a group of 25 or more volunteers, we will donate $500 to your organization (please keep in mind that we require one adult for every three volunteers under the age of 16)! In addition, all volunteers will receive unique access to the course and a free Ruckus t-shirt. And don’t forget: You’ll be surrounded by fun, driven, enthusiastic runners all day and will get the inside-scoop of the #1 ranked obstacle course under 10K!

Don’t miss out on the Ruckus experience! Sign up today to volunteer for Ruckus St. Louis!

Top 8 Reasons Your Family Should Participate in Ruckus

How many Saturday mornings has your family been doing the exact same thing? Let us guess: pancakes for breakfast, Saturday morning cartoons and then family chores to catch up from the busy week. Although routine is nice, sometimes it’s better to get out of the typical Saturday morning rut and do something new. Something adventurous. Something...that causes a ruckus.

So pack up those duffle bags, fill up the water bottles and lace up your shoelaces, families! It’s time to sign up for Ruckus—the #1 ranked obstacle course under 10K!

Ruckus is the perfect opportunity for a family to come together, get some exercise and bond on a physical and mental level. But there’s more to Ruckus than just muddy family bonding. In fact, there are 8 killer reasons why your family should participate in Ruckus this year:

1. Ruckus gets your family out of the usual routine

A lot of families find themselves stuck in a rut after doing the same thing weekend after weekend. Family walks, touch football and movie night can only be exciting for so long. Ruckus allows a family to try something new and exciting. It allows every member of the family to challenge themselves, all while bonding with the ones they love most.

2. Ruckus brings your family together

When running in Ruckus, families can run as teams which can help foster camaraderie and strengthen teamwork. Ruckus believes that the family that plays together, stays together. This fun and muddy obstacle course for every age allows families to spend time together and make inseparable bonds.

3. Ruckus makes family exercise more enjoyable

One of the main ingredients to overall happiness and satisfaction is exercise. When families work out together, whether it’s a quick game of tennis, a trip to the swimming pool or a muddy obstacle course like Ruckus, exercise seems more fun and enjoyable.

4. Ruckus gives your family a competitive edge

Want to get your family as competitive as the Williams sisters or even the Manning brothers? Ruckus will give your family that competitive edge it needs! Instill friendly competition in your kids’ heads early on with Ruckus and help them learn how to compete in a friendly and humble way.

5. Ruckus is for all ages

Unlike other national obstacle courses, Ruckus is for the young and the young-at-heart. The Ruckus obstacle course is always built for anyone age 2 to 92. The course offers many different levels including a 2-mile “Heater”, a 4-mile “Challenge”, an 8-mile “Champions Heat”and the Ruckus Mini (for ages 2-15). With so many options, no one has to sit and wait at the finish line—everybody can become a part of Ruckus!

6. Ruckus could start a family tradition

Want to start a new tradition in your family? Why not sign up for Ruckus every year and make it an yearly event? Ruckus is an annual event that occurs in multiple cities throughout the US, giving you and your family plenty of opportunity to compete.

7. Ruckus is an opportunity to toss those cellphones to the side

How many times have you seen kids texting around the dinner table? Or in the middle of church? Or during family movie time? It’s time to put the distractions away and spend quality time together—Ruckus lets you do that! Because Ruckus is a muddy, wet and dirty obstacle course, cell phones cannot be carried throughout the run. If you need an excuse to get the kids off ofthe iPhones, Ruckus may be the answer (at least for a few hours!).

8. Ruckus is a blast!

Fans have been raving about Ruckus since its first obstacle was built. With testimonials like, “It blew my expectations out of the water!”, “What an amazing event!” and “Ruckus delivered the best obstacles!”, how could a family possibly go wrong giving it a shot?

But don’t take our word for it—experience the Ruckus family obstacle course for yourself! Register your family today for Ruckus and see what it’s all about!