Michigan’s biggest and most extreme race of the year is just under a week away, and it’s not too late to be a part of it.
The trademark 5-person 100k relay did sell out in one day back in march, but there are still other options available. If you were interested in running the relay, chances aren’t good, but not impossible. Teams change and people drop out regularly, that’s why the Dances with Dirt (DWD) website has a forum for just that reason. Check out ‘teams seeking runners’ if you are actively looking for a team to run with, and hope some team had a person drop out at the last minute. On the other hand, if you’re not a team-oriented kind of person, there are the (not so) regular distances you can take on yourself. The only downside is that the other distances are ultra distances. Ultra refers to anything longer than a marathon (26.2 miles). DWD has 2 ultra distances, 50k and 50 miles, all through some of the toughest terrain you’ll find in any race.
Other ways to be a part of it, assuming it's not too late, is volunteering with the event staff. Without volunteers, the race organizers would be in some serious trouble. Because of that, they do reward volunteers with swag and free entry into select future races put on by running fit. Most importantly this can lead to securing a team for next years relay. There is a volunteer link on their site with the form and contact info you need to fill out.
Regardless, whether you’re running, volunteering, or just there to watch, it is one event that will make you look at running in a whole new light. If you have the time, or you happen to be near by, this is a must see. Dances with Dirt will be taking place this coming Saturday, Sept. 12th, in Hell, MI.
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