Completing the Dirty Dash 5K in an All-Terrain Wheelchair

Sam Durst has cerebral palsy and uses a wheelchair full-time. Most people would assume that means a 5K mud run obstacle course is off the table. We’re here to tell you otherwise — Sam completed a full Dirty Dash in his Extreme Motus all-terrain wheelchair while his parents Roger and Christine ran alongside him.

Sam had been to the Dirty Dash before — sitting on the bleachers in his daily chair, watching everyone else run. This time he was at the starting line.

Would the Extreme Motus survive a mud run?

The Dursts and I had used the Motus exactly once before this — at a park with rolling grassy hills. The Dirty Dash was a different sport entirely, and we all felt like we were in over our heads.

When the horn sounded for our heat, we made our way up a hill to the first obstacle: a long pit filled with mud and water with a steep 3-foot drop into the water.

Roger took one look at the pit and said, “There’s no way we can do that.”

It was dangerous for the three of us to lower Sam and his chair into deep water with a 3-foot drop. But I pushed back: “Why are we here if we’re going to skip the muddy parts?” Roger agreed to try if I could find help.

Helping hands at the Dirty Dash

I waved down some racers who were about to jump in: “My friend has cerebral palsy — can you help us get this off-road wheelchair through?”

They paused their race and made sure we made it to the other side safely. One held my camera. Another helped lower the chair down to me in the pit. We did it.

This kept happening. At every major obstacle, total strangers stopped to help. And what I noticed — through the camera, in the moments between obstacles — is that helping Sam was making their race more memorable, not less. They’d help us through, gather around for a photo, and run off grinning. Sam was making their day.

This pattern has held on every adventure since. Delicate Arch — strangers helped us up Slickrock Slab. Sledding — strangers pushed us back up the hill. Every single time we’ve worried about being strong enough, someone shows up. That’s been the most surprising and beautiful lesson of running this company.

I actually had fun

I did obstacle courses in the Army, where they doubled as punishment. When Dirty Dashes and Tough Mudders started getting popular, I was confused that people were paying for what I remembered as discipline.

Having done one now, I get it. Our little group had so much fun. I’d happily do another mud run — as long as Sam comes with me.

A big part of it was watching Sam go bananas with excitement after each obstacle. Later, while editing the video, I caught a shot of him laughing like a mad scientist saying, “I’m having the time of my life!” I teared up a little.

FAQ: Mud runs in a wheelchair

Can a wheelchair user actually do a mud run or obstacle course race?

Yes — with the right chair and the right team. The Extreme Motus all-terrain wheelchair handled the Dirty Dash mud, water, hills, and trenches. You’ll need 3+ helpers comfortable lifting the chair, race organizers willing to let you participate (most are), and a rider who’s stoked. Avoid the obstacles with vertical walls — those aren’t designed for chairs, and that’s OK.

Will the Extreme Motus survive a full mud run?

Yes. The Motus is CNC aluminum and rated for outdoor use including water. After a mud run, hose it down thoroughly (especially the bearings and brake calipers), let everything dry completely, and re-grease the moving parts. We’ve done several muddy events and the chair is still running fine.

Does the chair float in deep water?

The Wheeleez balloon tires displace enough water that the chair stays mostly afloat in shallow pits and slow-moving water. We don’t recommend deep current crossings — but for the kind of mud-and-water pits common in obstacle races, it works.

How do I sign up for a Dirty Dash with a wheelchair user?

Register normally and contact the event organizer ahead of time. Most are happy to accommodate — many will even let you start in a separate heat for safety. Bring helpers, bring towels, bring a change of clothes. Plan to spend more time on the course than the listed average. Have fun.

What other adventures has Sam done in the Motus?

Quite a few — Delicate Arch, Lower Calf Creek Falls, beach trips, ice fishing, sledding, the underdog under a desert bridge, and many more. The full series is on the Extreme Motus YouTube channel.

Future races

If you’re a wheelchair user thinking about an obstacle race — or you organize one and want to make it more inclusive — get in touch. We’re happy to share what worked and what didn’t.

Follow the Extreme Motus Facebook page for upcoming adventures.

Ryan Grassley
Owner, Extreme Motus
ryan@extrememotus.com
See the Extreme Motus · 2026 Price Guide