Each winter, Florida kicks off something weekend warriors know as "Mud Season." Obstacle racing is big business, and a big mess that leaves a mark.

"It's a 5K.  But not your typical 5K at all,” said Tyler Bradley formerly of Warrior Dash.

Here you run into the mud, over walls and under barbed wire.

"We take people through some of the craziest terrain that the world has to offer, plus, we throw all kinds of huge obstacles in there,” Tyler shared during prior race seasons.

'Tis the season to get dirty across Florida this winter.

In January, obstacle races like Warrior Dash and Tough Mudder kick off a fresh season in the Sunshine State.

At Tough Mudder, “Weekend Warriors” first gather for a pep rally.  And to get numbered.  Here, most wear a temporary tattoo consisting of identification numbers that will help identify you in photos later.

At the start of the race, Tough Mudders will begin a 10-mile run and meet characters along the way in tutus. Soon, we're all climbing over walls. It’s here that we see the first hint that Tough Mudder encourages cooperation.

"They don't know the technique.  Just get your leg over, get your body over,” explains a good natured volunteer standing at the base of the wall ready to provide a hand.

The tutus take to the wall with a little help. But a final take at their number bib reveals this is the cleanest it will ever be.

Next all participants jump in the mud.

"AH! THAT IS COLD!" screams one of the tutu girls.

And soon her once frilly tutu is soggy and caked in mud.  Even those opting to stay dry are not safe from a rouge hug.

Racers at mud runs may also face additional mud holes deep enough to swallow your head, giant inflatable pillows needing climbed and walls 20 feet tall.

"You know, you could help out.  Everybody here, they help out,” the volunteer said.

"That is was awful! Just awful!" I screamed upon reviewing the tape after emerging from a vat of ice. "THAT IS JUST REDONKULOUS!”

"And everybody is having fun!" the volunteer reminds me.

And we are.

Both Tough Mudder and Warrior Dash start their seasons in Florida at the end of January.

There's still time to sign up:

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