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About the Race
Sponsors
Run for change

Money raised through the Sandmine Challenge benefits Payback. Partner with us to help children, their families, and our community break the cycle of juvenile delinquency through funding and administering restorative justice programs for juvenile offenders and their victims.

SpeRUNking

Run around the underground! If you're looking for a new running adventure, then the SpeRUNking Sandmine Challenge is the event for you. The 3-mile(ish) obstacled course is entirely within the 56º Crystal City sand mine, which has 30 to 40 foot ceilings, sand dunes, and a huge underground lake. The course is on a sand surface; some wet, some dry. You will crawl, climb, wade, balance, & jump through various obstacles. We strongly suggest a headlamp for the race & shoes that can get wet!

About the Race
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The "Original" Sandmine Challenge

This approximate 3 mile run will be like no other event you've ever done.

Extreme Quad

Quad runners will complete 4 laps on the same course as the original race, equaling almost 12 miles!!

There are two races to choose from. The "Original" Sandmine Challenge is almost 3 miles. For those into EXTREME challenges... is the "Extreme Quad". The course is all in the 56 degree sand mine which has 30 to 40 foot ceilings, sand dunes, and a huge underground lake. Obstacles are around every 1/2 mile. The course is on a sand surface, some wet, some dry. You will crawl, climb, wade, balance, & jump thru various obstacles. Chip timing will be used for all participants. We strongly suggest a headlamp for the race & shoes that can get wet!

Register Now

Sponsors

PayBack's mission is simple: justice for both crime victims & juveniles
PayBack has worked with Family Courts in the St. Louis region for over 40 years
PayBack's mission begins with teaching juveniles consequences for their actions
PayBack helps first-time juvenile offenders pay back their victims
PayBack,helping the StL community since 1983
PayBack, stopping juveniles from re-offending
PayBack, compensating crime victims
Sponsors

Rules & Guidelines

Rules:

 

Participants must abide by all instructions given from the race director, race staff, volunteers and medical personnel.

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Participants understand and acknowledge that The Sandmine Challenge is an extreme event and accept all risks associated with the event.

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Participants must be physically able to complete the course and all obstacles. If participant cannot complete an obstacle, they forfeit placement time but will still be awarded the survivor certificate.

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Participants must be 14 years-old or older on race day in order to participate.

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Participants must wear the provided Race bib number clearly shown on the front. No participant will be allowed to race without an official bib number.

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Several videographers and photographers are stationed along the course. Participants agree to allow the event producer, PayBack, Inc., to use any pictures or video footage of the event for future promotional purposes.

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Baby joggers, baby strollers, in-line skates, bicycles, skateboards or any other type of wheeled device are strictly prohibited on the course.

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Urinating or defecating on or anywhere near the course is strictly prohibited.

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Registration is closed when the maximum capacity is reached.

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PayBack, Inc. medical personnel may examine any participant who appears to be injured or suffering. The medical personnel may remove any participant from the event if in the opinion of the medical personnel the participant needs to be removed.

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Participants assume all responsibility for all medical expenses incurred as a result of training and/or participating in The Sandmine Challenge, including but not limited to hospitalization, ambulance transportation and/or physician services.

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The event producer, PayBack, Inc., reserves the right to cancel or delay the race due to severe weather or in the event of a disaster.

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We highly recommend participants wear running shoes. Participants should dress appropriately

Guidelines:

 

Non mesh shoes work the best in the sand.

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Workout gloves are a strong suggestion.

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Bring sweats and dry socks to put on after the race so you can enjoy the festivities. There will be a bag check at registration, and changing rooms.

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Car pool if at all possible. Parking is limited, i will be on the lot at the cave, along the dirt road fence, the road outside the cave entrance and the Park just down from the entrance. If we have to we will overflow into The Eagles parking lot just off 67.

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This race is designed to challenge each person individually, if you feel you can't do an obstacle, skip it. However, for prize placement, you must do and/or attempt the obstacle or you will be disqualified by the course marshals.

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There are two water stations inside the course.

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If you get hurt and can't walk out we have a rescue jeep that will come and get you. Find your closest course marshal.

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A special thanks to Alpha Pi Omega (SLU), Battlegrounds Mud Run and Cedar Lake Cellars, Crystal City Cycling, Fleet Feet, Princeton Tec, and Roma Cary as well as the Board of Directors of PayBack, Inc. and the many volunteers who make this event a success.

PayBack, a vital resource for StL-area Family Courts
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