By Peter Covino
Entertainment Editor

Do you like jumping over fire, running in the mud and drinking beer?

If you answered yes to maybe two out of three of the above,  there is a race made just for you.

The Warrior Dash, a crazy combination of athletic ability and drinking beer comes to Lake Wales Jan. 29-30.

More than 13,000 runners are expected to compete in fire leaping, mud crawling and more at the Triple Canopy Ranch during the intense weekend of competition.

The first wave of racers with 600 runners, will kick off at 10 a.m. Jan. 29, followed by waves of 600 every half hour until the last group at 4 p.m.

Warrior Dash is an event that runners and spectators will never forget,” race director Alex Yount said. “After conquering an insane physical challenge, racers celebrate with live music, beer and food, alongside their fellow Warriors, friends and family.”

Craziness apparently counts in the Warrior Dash, as participants dress up or down, accordingly, for the occasion. Clowns, Hulks and antlers are all commonly seen amongst the racers running through flames and under barbed wire. Pretty much anything goes in this race.

All participants get a free beer (if you are of legal age), a fuzzy warrior helmet, Warrior Dash t-shirt and custom Warrior Dash finisher medal. There is also live music, post-snacks and water.

Additional beer, clothing, merchandise and food is also available.

While many racers are serious about this competition, amongst the training suggestions on the website is to find the dirtiest pond in your neighborhood and snorkel in it. Race organizers guarantee, you will be beyond dirty at the conclusion of the race.

Warrior Dashes are held throughout the United States, but the Lake Wales race is the only one in Florida in 2011.

You can get a feel for the entire 3.02 mile track at http://www.warriordash.com/register2011_florida.php, but some of the obstacles include:

Alligator Alley — a swim through murky water.

Knee High Hell — a run through hundreds of tires.

Palmetto Prison — A run through thick palmettos.

Treacherous Typhoon — Fight your way through water and gale force winds.

Warrior Roast — Leap over the Warrior fires.

Muddy Mayhem — Scramble under barbed wire as your near the finish line.

The race is open to men and women and all ages 14 and older. There are different age divisions. The awards ceremonies at the end of the day recognize the top three overall male and female participants, as well as top three in each age division, the most ridiculous costume and the best warrior beard.

Register online at www.warriordash.com. The cost is $60 Saturday or $50 Sunday. Registration closes at 2 p.m. Monday.

Spectators are welcome. The Warrior Dash will be held at the  Triple Canopy Ranch, 16950 County Road 630 East.