Tarzan in the Tree Tops

When last we visited Lake Needwood Park in Rockville, it was for the whimsical and chaotic Run A Muck, a 5K slog through the mud and slime.

Now it seems the truly adventurous are taking to the trees in a test of athletic ability, strength and agility. 

Go Ape, a concept developed in the UK, has now swung into Rockville.  It is a giant obstacle course built in the trees using ladders, walkways, bridges and tunnels made of wood, rope and super-strong wire.

Go Ape partnered with the Montgomery County to offer this outdoor recreational facility on park property.  It has been open only since May 8th and has already captured the imagination of groups and families who regard the challenge as a team building (and bonding) experience.

In addition to the zip lines through the canopy, thrill seekers also climb rope ladders and sweep from tree to tree like Cheetah.

The entire course takes two or three hours to complete (and yes, they do require swingers to take a 45 minute safety course prior to heading aloft.)

Those who have taken the challenge describe it as exhilarating.  (Of course, these are some of the same folks who think it’s a gas to slop through a swamp in a funny costume.)  But it’s getting great reviews even from mainstream outdoors enthusiasts.

While not for the faint-hearted or acrophopic, frolicking through the treetops sounds like a real hoot.  Another good reason (along with climbing the Carderock cliffs or shooting the Great Falls rapids) for the adrenalin rushed to visit Montgomery County.  Grab your banana and GO.

The Few, the Proud, the Whimsical

Just as committed cyclists have their flight of fancy with the Kinetic Sculpture Race, the running community has their own down and dirty ironic event. 

The RunAmuck 5K  Mud and Music Festival sounds like basic training for Navy SEALS, held at Woodstock.  Blaring music, water hazards, slime, filth, and comradarie make it one of the most outrageous (and fun) exercises on the running circuit.

The RunAmuck 5K took place around Lake Needwood in Rockville last month.  It is one of a series of mud runs that started in California a few years back, near (where else?) Camp Pendleton.  They have spread around to other parts of the country under different names, like Muddy Buddy.

The Rockville RunAmuck is a good, hard 5K trail run with a three crossings of the muddy (and mucky) lake, two sloshes through man-made mud pits, a few scrambles over wooden barriers and some hoofing through agility grids.

The mud sucking slime at these water hazards is so bad that veterans duct tape their shoes on.  No word on what it smells like.  At least we don’t have alligators in these parts.

Perhaps the best part of this childhood fantasy of making a complete mess of yourself is that you get to do it in clever costumes (none of which seem to survive the first dunking.)  Theme dress is encouraged.  There were a few “runaway brides” who did the race in wedding gowns, and some Vikings with horns and shields.

Lest you think this is an exercise for only the truly weird, be assured there are several thousand who participate — and actually travel some distance — year after year.  The sheer nuttiness of the obstacles with the challenges they present make it an interesting race.  It is also very well run, with entertainment (and showers) provided at the finish line. 

The mud run is a good time for all.  If you want to learn more, go to their website  and sign up for information about next year’s adventure.