Running Amuck with Frenz and Family

Is it something about spring that releases pent up exuberance?  It seems in recent years the novelty of mud races has caught on in Maryland, with variations to suit every taste.  Last year, we did a feature on the RunAmuck (an event popular with suburban shufflers).

Held at Needwood Park near Rockville, it is convenient to Metro (whose seats are easier to clean than BMWs.) It is also in the neighborhood of MSA’s Executive Director Michael Frenz, so after reading the blog post he was intrigued enough to sign up for 2011.  With three kids under the age of 20, he had a complete team.

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.