What does it take to climb walls, crawl through mud, conquer obstacles, and cross the finish line?

Ask anyone who participated in this year's Hustle on the Hill obstacle course race and they'll probably tell you it takes preparation, determination, and a willingness to get a little dirty along the way. Long before race day arrives, though, training and nutrition play an important role in helping participants prepare for the challenge ahead. Whether you're a competitive athlete, weekend warrior, or someone tackling an obstacle course for the first time, what you eat and drink can be part of your overall routine.

That's one reason we celebrated National Dairy Month by highlighting the role dairy foods can play in active lifestyles. Real milk provides 8 grams of high-quality protein per 8-ounce serving, making it a convenient option for those looking to include protein as part of a balanced eating pattern.

And as we approach National Farmers Day, it’s also a great reminder about the hard work dairy farmers put in every day to produce fresh, nutritious real dairy milk.

Following the race, we caught up with several participants to learn what motivated them to take on the course, how they approach recovery, and what they learned about dairy along the way.

“We’re at a great event today. It gave people the opportunity to visit the farm, see what we do on a day-to-day basis,” said dairy farmer Watson Dorn of Hickory Hill Milk in Edgefield, South Carolina.

"When The Dairy Alliance reached out to us about hosting a Tough Mudder-type event, it was a no-brainer for us to say 'yes'", shared Dorn. "Most people are generations removed from any type of farming, so being part of an event that brings in the community to allow individuals and families to experience the labor involved on a working dairy farm sounded like a great idea and a lot of fun", he added. "Collaborating with The Dairy Alliance for Hustle on the Hill allowed us a creative way to promote our farm and our milk while educating about dairy farming in general. A specialty event such as this really puts us in the public eye. I just hope the 2.3-mile course, mixed with the chore obstacles, challenged the participants enough both physically and mentally, giving them a new perspective on what goes into dairy farming and connecting them to their food."

And participants definitely learned about the hard work that goes into producing real dairy milk each and every day.

“From milking the cow to jumping over the hay to shoveling the feed, it kind of pointed to the reality of what it is to be in the farming industry,” said JD Kneece. “It was definitely challenging.”

“It was really good insight on what it takes to bring that gallon of milk to your refrigerator,” shared Christopher Staley.

“I would totally do it again. That was so much fun. I really enjoyed it!” said Ashley Yohe Barton following her run.

“It’s a great partnership with The Dairy Alliance—to partner with the people here today,” concluded Dorn. “People left here today with a little more appreciation for what we do.”

Every obstacle course has a finish line, but the habits that support an active lifestyle continue long after race day.

From early morning training sessions to post-race recovery routines, preparation matters. While everyone's approach looks a little different, many prioritize foods and beverages that fit their lifestyle, goals, and schedules.

As we celebrated National Dairy Month, it's a reminder that dairy foods can play a role in everyday routines, including the hardworking dairy farmers these participants followed. Real milk provides 8 grams of high-quality protein per 8-ounce serving and can be enjoyed on its own or paired with a meal or snack after activity.

Most importantly, events like these bring people together to challenge themselves, support one another, and celebrate what they're capable of accomplishing. We're grateful to everyone who participated and shared their experiences!

Every dairy farm looks a little different, but one priority remains the same: keeping cows healthy, comfortable and well cared for. Dairy farmers put careful thought into the housing they provide, creating spaces that give cows a comfortable place to rest, access to fresh food and water, and protection from changing weather conditions. From barn design to bedding and ventilation, meet the dairy farmers who are putting cow comfort at the center of their everyday care.