Hardcore Mudd Run, Hornell

Fire above. Water and mud below. Talk about motivation. Men and women will need to stay low as they crawl their ways through this challenge, known as Fire Diver. But that's just the beginning. More than 20 other challenges sprawl across the Hardcore Mudd Run. Some are straightforward enough, like the Rat's Nest: a web of rope that stretches 20'x30'. Others can adapt to the competitors themselves; at the Paint Ball Run, someone fires paintballs at the runners themselves.

Indeed, the Hardcore Mudd Run aims to push its participants to their limits, whether they compete as teams or individuals. Yet ample rewards wait at the end of the finish line. An after-party goes until sundown, surrounding attendees with food and drink. Organizers also hand out awards in categories such as "largest team competing."