Grab your friends for an adventure at Rugged Maniac at Camelback Ranch in Phoenix, an event that’s more than a mud run.

With at least 25 different obstacles and Phoenix terrain considered for the course design, participants will find a challenge in jumping over fire, flying down a large water slide and crawling under barbed wire.

“The goal is to get people off their couches and do something active with their weekends, and the way we do that is by making it fun,” Rugged Maniac co-founder Rob Dickens said.

If this event sounds intimidating, don’t worry. People of all skill levels, shapes and sizes are welcome. And though it will disqualify you from winning the race, you can skip any difficult obstacles.

“It’s not about being faster than the other guy next to you,” Dickens said. “It’s about having fun with your friends.”

If your friends don’t want to run, invite them to be spectators for free.

Obstacle course participants receive a T-shirt, racer medal, free photos and one free beer from Sierra Nevada Brewing Co.

And once you’re done racing, there’s a festival with food, drinks, a mechanical bull, beach volleyball, a pie-eating contest and more.

The event will be promoting a couple of organizations including Funds2Orgs, which will collect used and muddy unwanted sneakers that will be recycled to developing nations.

The American Cancer Society also partners with Rugged Maniac to receive donations collected at registration.

Here are some things to know for Rugged Maniac:

  • Wear tight clothing that’s easily cleaned (i.e. spandex pants and tops).
  • Consider long sleeves and pants or compression sleeves and socks to protect yourself.
  • Photo IDs are needed to verify participant ages.
  • Bring cash for food and merchandise.
  • Pack a towel, sunscreen, sunglasses, a gallon of water and a change of clothes.
  • Coolers are NOT allowed.
  • A chair or blanket to sit on for the festival.

For a full list of tips and prohibited items, check out the Rugged Maniac Phoenix guide or ruggedmaniac.com/events/phoenix2/.

Details: 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 18. Camelback Ranch. 10710 W. Camelback Road, Phoenix. $89 plus tax to register, $10 discount for military members and students, $10 for parking. Registration price may increase. Free for spectators. ruggedmaniac.com.

If you want to get some exercise before the holidays roll around, you’re in luck. Arizona will be home to a few fall fitness events for multiple skill levels.

11/19: IRONMAN Arizona

All those months of training will pay off for the triathletes at IRONMAN Arizona, an event that sells out every year (including this one).

Racers challenge themselves for 26.2 miles by starting with a single-loop swim in Tempe Town Lake, a three-loop bike course through the Sonoran Desert and a run around Tempe Town Lake and Papago Park.

If you’re watching a competitor, these are the best places to spot them:

  • Swim: Tempe Beach Park or Giuliano Park.
  • Bike: On the corner of Mill Avenue and Rio Salado.
  • Run: Under the Mill Avenue bridges.

Other IRONMAN events will be held from Nov. 16-20 for triathletes and families to enjoy such as the Tempe Friends and Family 5K on Nov. 18. There is no waitlist for the sold-out registration options.

Details: Men’s race starts at 6:40 a.m., women’s starts at 6:45 a.m. Sunday, Nov. 19. Tempe Beach Park. 80 W. Rio Salado Parkway, Tempe. Registration sold out. Free for spectators. ironman.com.

11/23: Turkey Trot 5K & Fitness Walk

Work out in Fountain Hills at the 26th annual Turkey Trot before you gorge on a Thanksgiving feast. All residents and visitors are welcome to walk the 5K or 1-mile Fitness Walk at this family-friendly event.

For the first time, the top three finishers in the 5K for each age division, for both men and women, will be recognized in an awards ceremony. Age groups are broken down by 10-year increments, and the winners will receive a Turkey Trot medal.

Participants need to bring their bib from the race packet or they will not be timed on race day. Pre-registered entrants will get a Turkey Trot T-shirt.

If you’re late to the party, you can sign up for late registration starting on Nov. 17 or on-site at 5:45 a.m. on race day.

Details: Check-in opens at 6 a.m. Race beings at 7:30 a.m. Thursday, Nov. 23. Fountain Hills Community Center. 13001 N. La Montana Drive, Fountain Hills. Registration varies from $15-$35, depending on course and age. 480-816-5185, experiencefountainhills.org.

11/23: 11th annual Laveen Turkey Trot

It’s a perfect time to be thankful for your health, so celebrate with friends and family in Laveen with at the 11th annual Laveen Turkey Trot.

Enjoy the scenery of Cesar Chavez Park as you walk. And bring your children for the free Kids Dash on the football field. Be sure to register for the free run at 7 a.m. the day of the Turkey Trot.

Participants from the 5K will get a timed race with a bib, T-shirt (if registered by Nov. 17), finisher’s ribbon, photos and post-race brunch with bagels, fruit and water. One-mile entrants will get a T-shirt, if registered by Nov. 17, and brunch.

With the community in mind, the proceeds from the event will be going to the Laveen Community Council and Riverbend Prep Academy (K-8).

Details: 8 a.m. Thursday, Nov. 23. Cesar Chavez High School, 3921 W. Baseline Road, Phoenix. $30 for the 5K, $15 for the 1-mile Fun Run, free Kids Run if registered at 7 a.m. the day of the event. Team Registration also offered for $5 discounts. 480-912-7878, active.com; raceroster.com.

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