PORT ANGELES —The dirtier the better for contestants at Saturday’s fourth annual Run A Muck obstacle mud run.
Racers will complete a 5-kilometer (3.1-mile) course containing 27 muddy obstacles with whimsical names like “Dragon’s Back,” “Slip-n-Slop” and “Bath Time.”
Muddy bogs, tunnels, balance beams, concrete pillars, hay bales, large tires and a 90-foot-long water slide have been included in the course in past years, and organizers will add new surprises this year.
“We’ve added a hay maze, some more balance obstacles and a stretchy rope that acts like a spider web and racers have to maneuever their way through it to keep going,” said Kelie Morrison, organizer of the Run A Muck 5K.
This year’s event is even going to the dogs, as leashed canine companions are able to participate during the final two heats of the day.
“It’s a fun-filled atmosphere for people of all ages, said Morrison.
“And now some pets can participate, too.”
Gates open at 10 a.m., races begin at 11 a.m., and heats run on the hour until 4 p.m. at Extreme Sports Park, 2917 W. Edgewood Drive, southwest of William R. Fairchild International Airport in Port Angeles.
As of Wednesday, Morrison said the event had 500 participants.
Online registration at www.getmucked.com is $45 for individuals or $35 per child age 10 and older, military members and those in groups of five or more through midnight tonight.
Last-minute registration will be available for $55 for adults, $45 for children, military and those in groups of five or more at the gate Saturday morning.
Spectators are free and encouraged to attend.
Dogs on leashes and their humans can trek through the course in heats that begin at 3 p.m. and 4 p.m.
“We had some volunteers staying out at the park and camping, and their black lab just loved the water and getting muddy,” Morrison said.
“We had some racers tell us it would be cool to be able to bring my pet down here with the water and the mud so we decided to make those later heats dog-friendly.
“There aren’t a lot of events like this where you can bring your furry friends.”
Morrison did say there are some on-course obstacles that aren’t appropriate for dogs, but most, including the muddiest challenges, are perfect for dogs.
“We’ve heard from several people that can’t wait to bring them,” Morrison said.
Tiny Bubbles Pet Store will be on hand to offer samples and hand out treats, and the Port Angeles Pet Posse, a group that uses social media to reconnect owners with missing animals, will staff a water station for pooches.
There’s plenty for humans to do before and after running the mud course.
Racers can get their picture taken at a “Before We Got Mucked” booth and then come back later for the “After We Got Mucked” photo.
“All the photos we take will be free, and they’ll be available at www.getmucked.com about a week after the race,” Morrison said.
Prizes will be awarded for fastest time, muckiest group and best group costume.
Each dog will receive a Run A Muck medal.
The race is open to ages 10 and older, and kids can busy themselves with games, bubble blowing, hula hooping and sports with Nerf balls.
A beer garden awaits after the finish for adults age 21 and older.
An oversized beer pong activity, in which players compete to throw a rubber ball into a garbage can painted to resemble a red solo cup, also will be offered.
Other activities include two life-sized Jenga games, a frisbee throwing contest and ring toss.
Food and beverages from Maggie May’s Espresso and Outfitters will be available.
Disc jockeys will provide music at the start of the course and near a mid-point water station.
The music and the party are set to go until the early evening hours.
“If people are still going, we’ll keep it going,” Morrison said.
Primitive cold-water rinse stations will be available for muckers to remove the worst of it before getting into their cars.
Dry-site camping also is available.
For more information, visit www.getmucked.com.
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Sports reporter Michael Carman can be contacted at 360-452-2345, ext. 5250 or at mcarman@peninsuladailynews.com.
