To some, running through fire, mud and an elaborate obstacle course might not sound like an enjoyable way to spend a Saturday, but for John Duett and seven of his friends it’s all about having fun.

The group will join hundreds of other thrill-seekers for the 3.4-mile Warrior Dash Saturday in Jackson, a daylong event promoters call an alternative to the classic 5K race.

“We are not so much looking at it as a race, but as an event,” Duett said. “We just wanted to do something fun.”

Participants — or warriors — in the Warrior Dash run through fire, trudge and crawl through mud and climb over 14 obstacles on their way to the finish line.

A festival area will greet the warriors after the race with live music, food (including turkey legs), drinks and lots of celebrating.