10 Fun Facts About John Sumner's Big Meat Run

Held every March in Disney, Oklahoma, John Sumner's Big Meat Run is an offroad event that you don't want to miss! Billed as one of the largest outdoor events in the state of Oklahoma, there's never a dull moment! Taking place Friday, March 22 through Sunday, March 24, 2019...here are some fun facts that you may not have known about the founder, the event and the town it is held in.

1. The crowds are as legendary as the founder.

Photo By Mary Pryor / Via Mary Pryor- Archives

Estimated attendance ranges between 10,000-15,000 people each year. People from all over the country emerge to not only crawl the rock garden beneath the Pensacola Dam...but to simply watch the action in shock and awe. No Jeep? No problem. Spectators are still welcome to come and take part in the fun! The best part? It's FREE to attend this FREE run....that's also family friendly!

2. John Sumner is a total badass...but in a good way.

John Sumner, Sumner Machine Works / Via Facebook: Sumner

What makes a legend most? Probably the ability not to become an arrogant jerk once you've gotten 15,000 people to show up to an event you created with just 12 people decades earlier.

Well-respected in the offroad community, John Sumner has produced and created incredible technical innovations that many offroaders use on their rigs today.

As the owner of Sumner Machine Works in Arkansas City, Kansas- Sumner remains a regular, approachable, everyday guy that seems unaffected by the popularity and craze that he helped create.

That makes him a total badass...but in a good way.

3. There's only ONE gas station in Disney, Oklahoma.

Chezzie's Disney, Oklahoma / Via Facebook: search

Can you imagine being the only gas station in a tiny town where 15,000 people show up one weekend a year? That's exactly what happens for Chezzie's Gas Station in Disney, Oklahoma. Their awesome staff and owners don't just love the increase in sales that weekend- they truly support rock crawlers all year long! Stop in for gas and for one of their yummy sandwiches or burgers and see how this crew handles the influx of business over the busiest weekend of the year- BMR!

4. You can get OFFICIAL BMR swag at the event.

Get Branded / Via Facebook: getbrandedks

You'll want proof that you attended the coolest event you've ever been to, so you'll need the "OFFICIAL" BMR swag that will be sold at the event this year- along with the iconic SMW- John Sumner's Big Meat Run t-shirt (CHECK THEM OUT BY DISNEY CITY HALL DURING THE EVENT.)

The Sumner's worked with a new company this year to create special hoodies and long sleeve t-shirts that were pre-sold before the event. But don't worry- you'll be able to pre-order again next year. (Just check out the Sumner Machine, Big Meat Run or Get Branded Facebook pages for details!)

4. When you register as a participant, you can win awesome prizes at the raffle!

360 Grand Lake / Via 360grandlake.com

The BMR crew works hard to get raffle items from various vendors and local businesses so that those who register can be entered to win some pretty awesome stuff!

Registration will provide you with a raffle ticket and you can purchase additional tickets for more chances!

This year items include everything from free lodging in Disney to cool items for your rig.

***MUST BE PRESENT DURING DRAWING TO WIN***

Resistration takes place on Friday and Saturday at Disney City Hall. For the specific times- keep your eye on John Sumner's Official Big Meat Run page!

5. The town of Disney gives you the RIGHT TO RIDE!

That's right! You can ride your 4-wheelers and RZR's along the sides of the main highway that runs through Disney and cross the highway at a 90 degree angle in order to get to the other side of the town. This rule also gives you the right to ride freely down any of the back streets of the town. From the rocks to the lake and back down below the dam!

6. Everyone wants you to be safe- not stupid.

Grand River Dam Authority / Via grda.com

The Grand River Dam Authority (GRDA) supports the offroad community, but they DEFINITELY have rules you have to follow. You don't want a ticket and they don't want to write one if they don't have to.

Here is a statement from the GRDA website and the link to the official laws and regulations to help you avoid any chaos!

"GRDA Officers will be patrolling and enforcing the following rules, as well as applicable State laws on the state properties below Pensacola Dam. Consumption of alcoholic beverages and low-point beer will not be tolerated while operating or riding in a vehicle, motorcycle, or ATV. Operating a vehicle, motorcycle, or ATV while under the influence of alcohol or drugs will not be tolerated.

Helmets must be worn by all operators AND passengers who are under the age of eighteen (18) in any off-road vehicle, or vehicle being used for off-road activities, any motorcycles, and any ATV’s.

Children who are required by law to be in a properly installed and secured child seat based on age and size, and are in a vehicle with a ROPS, may be properly secured in the seat without a helmet.

There are some areas of the GRDA properties that are restricted, such as immediately below the dam & spillways. Areas that are covered by Rip-Rap are also considered restricted areas, as well as areas marked by signs and barricades. DO NOT ENTER or attempt to drive in these areas. Patrons shall not cross the zones which are barricaded and marked off, or they will be subject to trespassing."

For a full list of the RULES and REGULATIONS to ensure your safety, visit: http://www.grda.com/off-road-regulations-for-grda-properties

7. The run up Viagra Hill takes place on Saturday afternoon.

GRDA / Via Facebook: grandriverdamauthority

Will they make it to the top or will they roll back down? Those are the only two thoughts everyone has on their minds as rock crawlers start their ascent up Viagra Hill.

Come see what the buzz is all about on Saturday afternoon. If you can't find Viagra Hill...just follow the crowd...there will be thousands of people there watching and cheering!

8. Rain or shine...who cares? It's the Big Meat Run!

RedBubble / Via redbubble.com

If you're worried about the weather forecast, perhaps you're missing the point. The Big Meat Run has seen rain, sunshine, wind, cold and warm weather. Layer up if it's cold and plan to get wet if it rains. The point is to show up and have FUN!

9. You can help Ryan Martinez clean up after the party's over!

Facebook: events / Via Facebook: events

15,000 people can leave behind a pretty big mess. So, each year the Sumner's friends and family gather together for a trash run through the trails in Disney to pick up after everyone. Do your part to keep the trails clean during your stay, but be sure to volunteer to show up and help with the clean up efforts on Saturday, April 6 and Sunday, April 7. You can even get discounted stays at the Dam Rec Park and Two Mom's Campground if you come back to help! (Trash bags are provided.)

For times and meet up spot, check out the 2019 BMR Clean Up page on Facebook!

10. What you should know about BMR 2020!

Photo By Mary Pryor / Via Mary Pryor- Archive

THE SHOW MUST GO ON!

While the Pensacola Dam is the longest multiple arch dam in the world, it was also built nearly 80 years ago. From Memorial Day to Labor Day 2020, the Pensacola Dam will be closed for resurfacing and construction.

HOWEVER- THE BIG MEAT RUN WILL STILL TAKE PLACE IN MARCH OF 2020 BEFORE CONSTRUCTION BEGINS!

Stay tuned for official word next year from the organizers of John Sumner's Big Meat Run!