Frequently Asked Questions
We partner with a Host Hotel at most events. Check out each Event page for info.
Not only are these great places to crash, they hook up CHARGERS with special rates. Just call and ask for the HARD CHARGE rate when you book.
If you're not into the element of surprise, you can check out course maps. Visit our Events page and choose your event. Course maps are subject to change and no one is allowed prior access to Abusement Park - so there will still be a surprise or two in store.
Absolutely. Volunteers may request to work a certain shift so they’re able to do both. Bonus – you’ll get two cool t-shirts and beverage tickets. You’re already going to be there all day so talk about a no-brainer.
We'd love to have you join us for the entire day but you can also request to work a certain shift as well.
We’ll need volunteers in several areas – from handing out racer packets and marshaling obstacles to restocking water stations and running the bag check. If you have a specific request, we’ll do our best to accommodate.
Visit our Volunteers page, choose your event and fill out the form. You can volunteer on behalf of a charitable organization or individually.
We’ll have a merch tent at every event. Very soon you’ll be able to purchase through our website too.
Absolutely. All water obstacles can be navigated without needing to swim. In case you’re still worried, these obstacles will be monitored closely to ensure everyone’s safety.
- You have weight rings on your toothbrush
- You time yourself making breakfast
- It’s never a question of walk or drive, you only run
- You have a pull-up bar in your living room, bedroom, office – the list goes on
- Skip an obstacle? No effing way
- You consider getting the mail to be exercise
- The free drink ticket is your main motivation
- You plan on holding hands with your spouse the whole way
- You don’t like people yelling at you for being weak
- You’ll never quit, no matter how long it takes
Technically, no. But you do need to sign our official waiver, which acknowledges you understand the risks associated with participating. You’ll need to bring the signed waiver on the day of your CHARGE, so print it, read it and make sure you understand.
Man up and quit whining. Kidding, we completely understand if an obstacle seems too intimidating or difficult. After all, it ain’t easy to be HARD. The rules are just a little different for each heat.
If you’re CHARGING for Fun and you can’t make it through and obstacle or don’t even want to try, you can go around it. No penalty, no questions asked, no worries.
If you’re CHARGING for Glory and you have to skip an obstacle, you’re not off the hook that easy. There will be a penalty in store for you, handed down by our course marshals. We guarantee the penalty will take you more time than the obstacle, so don't even think about skipping a HARD one to shave off some time. And, come on, you're better than that.
You can CHARGE individually or as part of a team. We love the camaraderie that goes with being part of a team, so it’s definitely recommended to round up your friends and take on the mission as a group. If you are going as a team, don’t half-ass it. Wear matching shirts, sport bright knee socks, dress in full costumes or even carry a team flag. Make it fun or make it serious, just make a scene.
Each obstacle is built with your safety as the number one concern. Volunteers, staff and paramedics will be on hand should you need help.
You must be at least 18 years old to participate. Everyone is welcome and encouraged to come watch the event!
Yes you can, through Manage My Registration. Here's how:
- Choose event
- Enter your info
- Choose "Edit"
- Choose #5 from the top, "Charitable Donation"
- Enter the amount you'd like to donate
- Check out
- Give yourself a high five for being awesome
When you register, you select your preferred heat time. Heat times are subject to change based on registrations and best traffic flow so we can’t guarantee anyone a specific heat time. We can guarantee all members of a team will be placed in the same heat together. We also guarantee you’ll be placed in a Glory heat if you signed up for Glory, likewise with Fun.
How to update your preferred heat time:
1. Go to Manage My Registration and select your event.
2. Login using your confirmation details OR your HARD CHARGE account.
3. Select "Edit" in your Transaction Review
4. Select "Heat Time"
5. Scroll down and select the heat time in which you wish to be placed.
6. Select "Checkout"
7. You will be returned to the Transaction Review Page and see a "Your registion update has been saved." message.
8. You're done!
Every CHARGE is separated into CHARGE for Glory and CHARGE for Fun heats. For most events, heats are structured as follows:
CHARGE for Glory - 9:00 a.m.
CHARGE for Glory - 9:30 a.m.
CHARGE for Glory - 10:00 a.m.
CHARGE for Glory - 10:30 a.m.
CHARGE for Fun - 11:00 a.m.
CHARGE for Fun - 11:20 a.m.
CHARGE for Fun - 11:40 a.m.
CHARGE for Fun - 12:00 p.m.
CHARGE for Fun - 12:20 p.m.
CHARGE for Fun - 12:40 p.m.
When you register, you'll have the opportunity to choose your preferred heat time - though note that heats will be capped and we can't guarantee spots. Heat times may change and there's always a possibility we'll add or remove them as needed. To be sure you're in the know, opt in for our text alerts at the time of registration. You can also sign up for our email list, join the event on Facebook and follow us on Twitter. We'll keep ya informed.
In addition to the entry fee, every CHARGER must pay $8 for insurance and small processing fee. Standard stuff.
Hell yeah you can. As long as it’s before registration closes and there’s space in a heat. If you are registered for a Fun heat and want a Glory heat, you’ll be charged an additional $20 to cover the higher registration cost.
Unfortunately, we’re not able to offer refunds. You can transfer your registration to another event in Manage My Registration. If you'd instead like to transfer your registration to another person, email our customer service team and they'll take care of it.
No, we don’t allow just anyone to jump in with whatever team sounds the coolest. The only way you can join a team is if you’re invited by its Team Captain. If you’re looking to connect with other CHARGERS to train together, form a team, all that stuff, join the event on Facebook.
As long as your team name isn’t blatantly hateful, go for it. Nobody likes bullies or that kid on the block who's just mean for the sake of being mean, so that's the only kind of stuff we're not cool with. That being said, we have a sense of humor, we're not uptight and we're down with pushing the standards of good taste. All in the name of fun.
Side note: If you are attempting to qualify for the Televised CHARGE, your team name must be compliant with network TV standards – i.e. no inappropriate language, innuendos or references, and nothing copyrighted.
Yes, just takes a few steps. First, go to the event registration page and register a team. You’ll be able to create your team here. Then, go to Manage My Registration and join that team.
Yes, you can switch your team category at any time. Your team captain can make the change at Manage My Team.
It’s not a relay; every member completes the entire course. You can run together, help fellow teammates through obstacles and keep each other motivated.
While we do encourage teamwork and camaraderie throughout the entire course, only those teams competing in the Televised CHARGE need to cross the finish line together.
Each team member registers and pays the fee individually. Rates are the same for everyone, individual or team member.
In the CHARGE for Fun or CHARGE for Glory heats, no - though we do encourage you to stick together and leave behind no CHARGERS to fend for themselves. In the final, Televised CHARGE, you must complete the mission as a team.
There is no limit. You can have a team of two or 20.
However, if you're competing in the CHARGE for Glory heats, only the top four team members' times will be taken into consideration to qualify, and only those four go on to compete in the Televised CHARGE.
No, your heat choice doesn't affect your chances to qualify. The top individual finishers in each age division qualify, regardless of heat. The top six co-ed teams overall qualify, regardless of heat.
HARD CHARGE will be seen on select local markets, beginning this summer. Check the website often to find out where and when to watch HARD CHARGE. Full episodes will also be available on our site.
Only the top four members of your team go on to compete in the Televised CHARGE. The rest of the crew must stick around to cheer on the team members during finals – common sense and camaraderie rules.
The best part about HARD CHARGE is anyone can do it, from marathon runners to cyclists to those who count exercise as moving from the fridge to the couch. We do recommend shaping up at least a little before tackling your first obstacle mission. First, be sure to check with your physician if you're just starting an exercise program. Then, here are the three main areas to fine-tune:
Stamina:
Whether you’re walking or running, HARD CHARGE still requires endurance to make it through the miles. If you currently don’t exercise, start with 15 minutes a day of walking, then work up to an hour, or try peppering in some intervals of running. If you’re an avid walker or cyclist, give running a try. Start with just five minutes for every 15 you walk. Work you way up to a 5k. There are also some great Couch to 5k programs available online. If you’re already a runner, keep it up! And maybe try some speed work.
Strength:
Sure, after the first obstacle you may think, “Psh, I got this!” Wait until you get your ass handed to you by Angled Ambush, Hard to Handle or Vertical Vengeance. Your arms, core and legs are all gonna feel the burn, so don’t go into it weak and soft. Whether you’re a gym rat or newbie to strength training, some simple oldies but goodies work best.
•Upper Body:
Good old fashioned push-ups are where it’s at. To make it more challenging, first, get off your knees and do real push-ups. Switch up your arm placement – the closer together you bring your hands, the tougher it is. Or, try “walking” push-ups. Assume the standard plank position and do one full push-up. Then, “walk” your right arm across your left, then “walk” your left arm back to the outside and do a full push-up. Repeat on your other side.
•Lower Body:
Lunges, squats and burpees do the trick. Try jump squats, weighted lunges and more and more burpees to crank up the intensity.
•Core:
The main thing to remember: Don’t neglect your back. Planks and Superman are great for working your full core and – bonus – no crunches involved! Be sure to work in some side planks too. Hold a plank position for a minimum of 15 seconds and work your way up to multiple sets and longer hold times.
Attitude:
Most of the time, athletic challenges are 10 percent physical and 90 percent mental. If you show up with a bad attitude, you’ll be defeated right out of the gate. Yeah, it’s gonna suck at times and it’s not going to be a walk in the park. But nothing worthwhile is easy. This is going to be one of the most fun experiences of your life so show up, get pumped and have a blast.
Anything you don’t mind getting doused in mud, blood and sweat. Every CHARGER is unique, but here’s a list of the basics you’ll want to CHARGE:
•Quality Shoes – The best way to kick ass, not slip and fall on your ass.
•Non-Cotton Socks – You’ll be trudging through water – do we really need to tell you cotton socks suck?
•Longer Shorts (Dudes) or Capris (Chicks) – Save your knees, skip short shorts.
•Towel – Though we recommend wearing your mud as a badge of honor, you may want to keep it off your car seat.
They’ll be an onsite bag check where you can drop off your stuff. HARD CHARGE isn’t responsible for any lost or stolen items so be smart about what you bring.
Yes – medals will be awarded to all who qualify for the Televised CHARGE. There will be one overall male, overall female and overall co-ed team winner in the final, Televised CHARGE. Those three will each walk away with a super gnarly truss trophy.
Fine by us.
The course won’t be entirely open to spectators. But there will be several areas along the course they can watch, including at the start and finish.
Yes, there will be at least one along the course. Number of stations and location will vary with each course.
Kids are often the best cheerleaders, so we absolutely encourage you to bring them to watch the event. They’re also welcome to join the fun at the post-race party, free of charge. Children under the age of 18 are not allowed to participate in a CHARGE.
They better. Both the event and party are open to spectators, free of charge.
We’ll have medical tents and on-site paramedics ready to spring into action, whether minor mishap or serious injury.
Nice work. No one should leave a CHARGE with a clean pair of shoes. HARD CHARGE has teamed up with BarrelAid, a non-profit organization that collects discarded shoes and ships to those in need. Look for the blue barrels at our races, ditch those sneaks and do some good!
There will be a $10 fee for parking. You may receive specific parking information prior to the event. Please follow these important directions.
Please pick up your packet at least one hour before your scheduled heat. There will be signs for packet pickup locations at the event. You must have a signed waiver and valid ID.
