This race is held in Lake Elsinore, California. Lake Elsinore is about an hour and a half from LAX, sitting on the western side of Riverside County. Lake Elsinore is generally a pass though city to get to one of the more popular Southern California destinations, but to topple the Warrior Dash the stop is worth the wait.

Registration:
A smooth online process through a quick, easy-to-complete form. Received an email receipt within seconds of completing the process.

Packet Pick-up/SWAG:
The packet pickup was held at the event near the sports arena. The process of picking up my bib was extremely easy and quick and took just a few minutes. The staff handling the process was very friendly and professional. Included in the packet for participants in the dash events was a very comfortable short-sleeve t-shirt, gray in color with a large Warrior Dash viking helmet logo across the chest. Each packet also came with a race ticket in which you could turn in at the end of the race for a free beer; pretty cool if I say so myself.

Start Line:
The start line for the dash was 500 Diamond Drive Lake Elsinore, CA 92530. The race provided free shuttles from neighboring hotels to take all participants there. Participants also had the option of driving their own cars to the free parking lot on the premises.

The start line at Lake Elsinore was at Lake Elsinore Diamond, commonly referred to as Storm Stadium, with more than plenty of room to fit everyone comfortably. As you walk into the event it feels like a big party and everyone is getting pumped with many options for food, drinks, and music playing. In the event area there was a long block of port-a-potties to handle all the attendees; I didn't see or notice any particularly long lines on any of them at any one point while we waited for the start.

In addition, there were several vendors and sponsors all there to share their products from energy bars, to electrolytes, etc.

Weather:
Climate on race day were typical for a mud run in Southern California. Temperatures were in the high 60s low 70s with just a slight wind at start time.

Course & Support:
The bulk of the race course is on a paved trail following the perimeter of the lake, and then ((**spoiler alert**)) you’ll end up inside the lake for a portion as well((**end spoiler alert**)). The dirt trail is paved and has very little elevation along the entire course. As you run along the 3 miles you will be met with very fun, challenging obstacles. Each obstacle can be overcome individually but can also be done with the help of a friend. Obstacles range from agility, jumping, climbing, pulling, and much more; so hopefully you’ve been getting in full body workouts for this mud run. Ambulance and paramedics can also be found all along the course to ensure safety for all runners. The hydration/support stations were plentiful along the way and fairly evenly spaced.

Finish Line/Medal/Food:
The finish line had plenty of volunteers handing out medals, water, and electrolytes, and was quite wide with plenty of room for runners to walk or greet friends and family on the sides. The medal was a branded Warrior Dash Viking Helmet Logo with 2012 across it. The post-race food and refreshments included a variety of fruit, muffins, yogurt, granola, chocolate milk, and beer.

Conclusion:
I found this to be an extremely enjoyable race from beginning to end. I found that obstacles and mud was a great change of pace from normal running. It is a race I'd recommend to anyone wanting to try the mud run scene; lightly challenging but definitely a great time. I am looking forward to trying other mud runs because of it.