Wicked Mud Run, Shrewsbury

Don't let the name fool you: no real witches compete in the Wicked Mud Run. That's because they would surely melt on the timed 5K's wet, muddy obstacles. Before crossing the finish line, participants must trudge waterlogged trenches, leap over walls and beams, and navigate their way through a sandbag gauntlet. Afterward, each muddy attendee hoses down before attending an awards ceremony for the top male and female racer. From there, post-race festivities commence with live music, barbecue sizzling on smokers, and torrents of Cisco beer filling glasses. A portion of the run's proceeds benefit charities such as the Tuberous Sclerosis Alliance.