Women are invited to get a little dirty at fun event

On June 30 at the Lake County Fairgrounds, thousands of women are expected to get covered in mud, fun and laughter thanks to the Dirty Girl Mud Run, which combines a 5K obstacle run with unique touches for all participants in this one-of-a-kind, women-only event.

With obstacle names like “H2 Oh My God,” “Utopian Tubes,” “Slippery When Wet” and “PMS (Pretty Muddy Stuff),” the Dirty Girl Mud Run aims to give Chicago women some “good, unclean fun.”

The Dirty Girl Mud Run Series debuted in 2011 to a sold-out field of more than 6,000 women in Wisconsin.

“We're excited to bring this unique event to the women of Chicago,” Dirty Girl Race Director Jimmy Gohsman said. “The day will offer women of all athletic and fitness abilities a chance to get out of their comfort zones and into their giggle zones.

“Each obstacle is specially designed to be challenging, but manageable. And we've got great special touches for our Dirty Girls, too — like charms instead of medals, post-race pampering amenities, complimentary post-race adult beverages and music. The Dirty Girl Mud Run is truly a unique way for women to share a day of fun-filled laughter and bonding.”

A portion of all proceeds from Dirty Girl registration fees is donated to the National Breast Cancer Foundation. In 2011, participants helped donate more than $50,000. In each city of the 2012 tour, 250 cancer survivors will receive complimentary registration and special recognition.

The day begins at 8 a.m. with the first wave of contestants running through the iconic, 20-foot-high Dirty Girl Starting Arch. The start area features a specially selected music track that sets the stage for each wave departing every 15 minutes.

The course concludes with a sloshing crawl through a 40-foot-long mud pit, energizing participants with the laughter, encouragement and cheering of teammates, supporters, friends and families. In between, women will traverse obstacles specifically designed for fun and safety.

“Talented and friendly staff lead the festival-like atmosphere to assure its both memorable and epic,” Gohsman said.

“After completing the course, Dirty Girls can clean up in a special area, change clothes and then celebrate with their families and friends. Additionally, there will be food, refreshments, music, dancing and special shopping opportunities at our sponsors' villa.”

To register for Dirty Girl, visit www.imathlete.com/events/DirtyGirlMudRunIllinois?z=1322688599959.