MADISON- It’s dirty. It’s challenging. It’s for everyone. The sixth annual Mustang Mud Run is scheduled for Saturday, April 15 where participants age 12 and older will face 23-plus obstacles within a 5K (3.1 miles) distance on the campus of Madison Academy located on Slaughter Road. The obstacle course is situated on the campus of the private school and along and through Indian Creek and the adjacent wooded areas.

“Last year we had over 600 participants from five different states and many of those who participated did so within teams,” said Terri Speir, Mud Run race director. “We had teams representing a wide-range of areas such as JROTC teams, church groups, crossfit enthusiasts, corporate teams and tons of families and friends battle their way through our muddiest year on record.”

Some of the obstacles each participant will face include Tarzan Twist, Jump The Fence, Big Dipper, Road Kill, Log Run, Muddy Whopper, Tangler and Swamp Sludge, just to name a few awaiting the onslaught of challengers. Organizers stress the fact the race is held rain or shine and offer tips for those who look to the fun-filled event: you must cross a creek, but do not have to be able to swim, medical staff on site, not a timed event and bring a Q-tip…the mud gets everywhere.

Wendi England, of Burn Bootcamp of Madison and Huntsville, expects to have 100-plus team members from the Burn Bootcamp make their way through the mud, as she, herself, will bring up the rear of the event to make sure there is no one left behind. She joined the fitness routine six years ago and upon moving to the North Alabama area liked the idea of the Mud Run. She added, “Last year I helped a woman who struggled climbing the wall obstacle within the course and when she finally completed her challenge, she cried with delight that she made it. The event is very taxing to just to cross the finish line is exciting to know you completed the challenge.”

Groups and teams are a big part of the event and are welcome and group discounts are offered.

Jamie King of i3 Corporation and its non-profit i3 Cares program for underprivileged children and the local community, said their company sponsors the teams and their family members who want to head into the mud. Last year, i3 had 56 participate and included competition within the company.

“They love it and the competitiveness makes it a team-building event for the company and the individuals love the challenge of the Mud Run,” added King. “The event was brought to our attention four years ago and is now the talk of the office. Last year, we won the trophy for largest team and the trophy is proudly displayed at our company headquarters. Others saw the trophy and the event photos and are excited about the chance to compete.”

The object of the Mustang Mud Run is to have fun, not to finish first.

Proceeds from the event help to bring upgrades to the classrooms and overall facilities at Madison Academy to help enhance the Christian based learning environment. Plus, a portion of the proceeds go to benefit the First Stop homeless ministry.

“At Madison Academy, we are creating a life-changing experience for our students and school community as we create impactful experiences to allow the heart, soul and body to flourish,” said Speir. “Our commitment to academic accomplishment is reflected in the test scores as our college-bound students average 25.1 on the ACT on a five-year average.”

The family-friendly Mud Run includes the “Lil’ Muddy 1K” for kids ages six and up. Participants in the adult Mud Run and who have youngsters taking part in the 1K event are encouraged to run alongside their children in the 1K. The race will have a lead staff runner to show the participating kids where to go in their fun-filled jaunt in the mud. Safety personnel are stationed throughout the courses of both events.

Fees for the races are $55 for an individual in the Mud Run and $25 in the Lil Mud event. A family of four or more receive a $5 discount for each family member. A team of eight or more are charged $50 per person. Parking at the school is $10 per vehicle.

Participants can expect to slip, slide, climb, jump, slog and swing their way through the course to the finish line. Multiple heats will be held, including one for the more elite racers.

As quoted in the Bible of Timothy 4:7, “I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith,” the Mustang Mud Run is faith and fun based and a good time is guaranteed by all.