The Truth About “Free” Race Entries: What You Need to Know
If you’ve been receiving emails from Bubble Run or Muddy Dash since last fall, you’re not alone. These promotions have been flooding inboxes, promising “free” race entries—but as many racers have learned, free doesn’t always mean free.
Let’s Address the Elephant in the Room
Based on publicly available information, both events appear to have undergone ownership transitions. This information suggests that the previous owners, Valerie and William Spata, have re-acquired the properties. We have reached out multiple times via Facebook, Instagram, E-mail and Linked in for clarification and have received no response. We have also reached out to the previous owners Fit Factory LLC for confirmation of the sale and have not received a response.
If you read through the emails carefully, you’ll notice that the company sending them lists a Phoenix, Arizona-based address—the same address as Phoenix Dance Studio, which is owned by the Spata’s. There is also some information in the Arizona Corporate Registry that confirms this.
Historically, previous owners of these events had a track record of aggressive email marketing, often advertising “free” race entries that came with high fees in the fine print. Additionally, there have been past instances of event cancellations without refunds.
While we are hopeful that the new ownership has improved these practices—especially since they have successfully held races this year—we strongly encourage participants to carefully review all terms and conditions before signing up.
The Pattern: Fees are Facts
The fact is these fees are part of almost every race.
- Bag fees
- Insurance fees
- Processing fees
At the end of the day, “free” is a marketing catchphrase—not a guarantee. Before signing up for any race, make sure you know exactly what you’re paying for.
Here’s a breakdown of how various races include fees without quoting specific prices:
| Race Brand | Processing Fees | Insurance Fees | Bag Check Fees | Parking Fees | Spectator Fees |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Spartan Race | Greater than $10 | Greater than $10 | Greater than $5 | Varies | Greater than $10 |
| Tough Mudder | Greater than $10 | Included in some races | Not always required | Greater than $10 | Greater than $15 |
| Bubble Run | Greater than $10 | Not explicitly listed | Not always required | Varies | Not applicable |
| Muddy Dash | Greater than $10 | Not explicitly listed | Not always required | Varies | Not applicable |
| Savage Race | Greater than $10 | Greater than $10 | Not always required | Varies | Not applicable |
Processing and insurance fees are almost always added at checkout, and depending on the race, participants may also be responsible for bag storage, parking, or spectator fees.
Final Thought: Stay Informed, Stay Smart
Obstacle course racing is supposed to be about challenge, fun, and personal achievement—not navigating hidden costs. If you’re signing up for a race, treat it like any other financial commitment:
✅ Read the fine print – Always check processing, insurance, and additional fees. ✅ Check reviews – Look for racer feedback on pricing surprises. ✅ Be skeptical of “free” offers – If it sounds too good to be true, dig deeper.
Don’t let clever marketing trick you into paying more than expected—stay informed, stay smart, and enjoy the race knowing exactly what you’re getting into!
