Many military shows portray boot camp with guys running through mud, climbing walls, crawling under ropes and over crazy obstacles. Have you ever wanted to try it to see if you could hang?

The first Gauntlet endurance race will be on May 19 at the Colorado Speedway near 29 Road and I-70. This is the chance to crawl through mud, over walls, and other natural obstacles to compete for no. 1.

“It’s going to be a lot of fun and you’re going to get crazy dirty,” Linda Smith said.

Smith, Executive Director of the Western Colorado Contractor’s Association (WCCA), is the organizer and sponsor of the event. They sponsor the mud pit, which Smith says is the most popular section of the course. There will be a fire truck there to hose the mud off and vendors will be selling beer, food and memorabilia.

The idea came to the WCCA after board member Billy Foster competed in several Warrior Dash races at Copper Mountain.

“I love doing this,” Foster said.

He describes it as “stupid fun” since everyone runs around having a good time like a bunch of children.

Participants are encouraged to dress up in costume for the one-plus mile race. Videos of the Warrior Dash show contestants dressed in fairy outfits, superhero masks, and many other creative costumes. According to Smith, Foster appeared in a local newspaper after one of the Warrior Dash races competing in a nun outfit and said, “dressing up helps add more fun.”

All of the proceeds are being donated to benefit Western Colorado Special Olympics. “Everything needed for an obstacle is already out there. Some of the entry goes to t-shirts and the rest is donated,” Foster said.

Smith hopes to make this an annual event.

“I’d love to say I have 1000 runners” Smith said. “I’d love to say I have 500 runners, but I don’t know. So far we have a few runners, but it is still a bit too early for people to sign up.”

Participants are encouraged to pre-register at www.active.com (search for “Gauntlet Grand Junction”). Every contestant gets a free beer, t-shirt and other swag. For more information visit www.thegauntletrace.com.