Train to conquer!  This is the motto for Man vs. Mountain in 2019, a winter obstacle course race, organized by the City of Mt. Pleasant and hosted at Mountain Town Station.  The event takes place the first weekend of February annually and puts a frigid twist on the traditional obstacle course races that take place during the warm summer months. Instead of mud and water, Man vs. Mountain challenges the participants’ grit through snow, ice, and freezing temps!

Man vs. Mountain: Train to conquer!

Man vs. Mountain is an event for ages 10 and up.   Runners that compete are first time 5K’ers or seasoned OCR competitors.  No matter the experience, Man vs. Mountain is the perfect way to start your fitness goals for the year.  We encourage all to try the obstacles, but completion is not mandatory unless participating in the competitive waves.  In 2019, Man vs. Mountain has added monetary prizes for the top overall male and female participants who register for the competitive wave.  Top prize is $200, 2nd place is $100, and 3rd place is $75. 

NEW IN 2019, Man vs. Mountain has introduced a kid friendly version dubbed Kid vs. Crag, for ages 4-9, presented by The Wanderheart Project.  This half mile course will be directly behind Mountain Town Station and will have 8-10 obstacles.  Kids can run unlimited laps for 30 minutes and will also receive a finisher medal and face shield.  Cost for Kid vs. Crag is $20.

Kids vs. Crag

Obstacles are tough enough when doing them in comfortable temperatures, but when its cold outside, things just get tougher!  Obstacles have participants running on paved and off-road trails, through snow and ice, over walls, crawling, and climbing the final wall, before crossing the finish.

5k’ers jump, hop and climb through 15+ obstacles

Every event has a swag package and Man vs. Mountain’s is right up with the best!  Depending on what option a participant registers for, they will receive a finisher’s medal, long sleeve shirt, pint glass, complimentary beverage from Mountain Town Station, CMU gloves, event day pictures, and additional promotional items.

5K’ers cheers after conquering Man vs. Mountain at Mountain Town Station.

The event host, Mountain Town Station, has been a staple of the event since the beginning.  With the location being in the center of it all and a name to fit, Mountain Town Station is the perfect place to spend your event day.  With their signature brews and outstanding food, participants and spectators alike have a warm spot to enjoy a drink and brag about conquering the mountain!

Registration for Man vs. Mountain runs through Jan. 23.  Register at www.mt-pleasant.org/mvm and follow the event on Facebook. 

For additional Man vs. Mountain information and details, contact Steve Hofer, Recreation Coordinator, at the City of Mt. Pleasant at shofer@mt-pleasant.org or 989-779-5332. Hofer is the coordinator of the Man vs. Mountain program.