Warrior Dash at Millennium Park Sept 12

WALKER, Mich. (WOOD) - The world's largest running series will commence Saturday morning around Kent Trails at Millennium Park in Walker.

It's the first Warrior Dash to come to West Michigan.

Organizers of the popular 5k run told 24 Hour News 8 that 10,000 runners have signed up and they're expecting another 10,000 spectators.

Every 30 minutes, 600 people will take off from the starting line, from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. The three-mile course consists of 12 obstacles including running through fire, scaling walls and climbing cargo nets.

Angela Worth trains around her Kentwood neighborhood with her husband Rich. They both participated in previous Warrior Dash events in Ohio, Chicago and Flint.

This year, the course is 10 minutes from the Worths' home.

"You're doing the 5k, plus the obstacles, so you have to be strong enough to get over them," said Angela Worth.

At the 2011 Warrior Dash in Kansas City, two people died from heat exhaustion. In another race last year outside of Flint, one man was paralyzed while running the course.

This year, race directors are working to make sure runners stay safe.

This weekend, everyone running in the race will have to read and sign a waiver that outlines the risks. In addition to that, course officials will be stationed at every obstacle.

One obstacle is called the barricade breakdown. Participants have to jump over a wall and roll under another. The day of the race, there will be barbed wire lining the top.

It sounds dangerous, but race directors said they'll have signs detailing what's ahead, listing the dangers.

"They really go above and beyond making sure that you're aware of how to be trained," said Angela Worth. "They have fitness training and they really said all over no diving, and go around any obstacle you don't feel fit enough to do."

This race is no stranger to serious injuries in Michigan. Last year, outside of Flint, a Hope College student was paralyzed when he dove into a 3-foot mud pit head first.

"On the waivers, it spells out," said Rich Worth. "Do not dive in any mud pits, don't do anything that may jeopardize your health. It's a matter of going out and being smart about what you do."

Those who have completed the course before say strength training is key. They say the course requires a lot of upper core strength.

And, they say, listen to your body.

------

Online:

Warrior Dash