MADISON- The Mustang Mud Run, it’s not if you win or lose, because there are no placements, it’s how everyone `tries to conquer the obstacles that stand in their way. Recent rains made for a tremendous amount of water and mud in the creek located on the back portion of the campus of Madison Academy causing the 20-plus obstacles to be even more challenging than normal for the seventh annual fun-day event.

Almost 800 participants ranging in ages 7-69, took to the 5K (3.1. miles) distance course with an obstacle course situated along and through Indian Creek and the adjacent wooded areas on the private school campus. Obstacles had names such as Tarzan twist, Leap of Faith, Pully Bulley, Walls of Jericho, Muddy Whopper, Pike’s Peak and Mine Shaft to name a few. The event is known as dirty and challenging and is for everyone. The event also included a 1-mile Lil Muddy for ages 7-11.

Only the 1977 song Slip Slidin’ Away from Paul Simon featuring the Oak Ridge Boys could correctly describe the tons of fun each participant experienced at the seventh annual Mud Run.

“It was dirty. Mud head to toe,” said 42-year old April Payne of Madison who experienced her first Mud Run. “It was one of the most fun events ever for me and I did the race with my 12-year old son Cameron, who attends sixth grade at Madison Academy. “The mud was everywhere. I had to wash my clothes three times after getting home.”

Participants were split into different heats to allow space between those brave enough to face the elements and challenges of the Mud Run. Once from the starting point, runners were expected to face the following: slip, slide, climb, jump, slog and swing their way to a fun finish. Organizers had plenty of volunteers and emergency personnel were also on hand just in case a participant could not handle the rushing waters of the creek or were injured at some point on the course.

Terri Speir, Mud Run race director, said of the entire day, “It was a beautiful fun day for the amazing and family-friendly event.”

The Lil’ Muddy 1K event was held for those ages 7-11 and was led by a race staff member who help direct the youngsters exactly where to go on the course. Just to see the excitement among the faces of all those who participated or volunteered guaranteed a good time was had by all.

“The race was more than I expected and was amazing,” said Payne, who is an investigator for the Huntsville Police Dept. “Most interesting portion of the race for me was the ‘Shoe Snatcher’ where we had to go down a berm into thick mud and then climb back up another berm to exit the mud. When we arrived at that spot the ropes that were supposed to be there to assist you to get out of the mud were not there. The thick mud grips your legs and feet. Someone nearby had to throw us a rope and help pull us out. For me, I’m doing this race again next year.”