LATHROP – Every 15 minutes a group of about 300 thrill seekers were released onto an improvised race track, complete with grueling obstacle challenges, up-and-down hill elevations and enough mud to probably seal the Mossdale River shut.
Thousands showed up to compete in the Northern California Survivor Mud Run and a host of spectators were on the scene to lend support. The nearly 3.5-mile course was in prime condition, offering contestants exactly what they signed up for.
“We are very pleased,” event president Kevin Sartin said. “The turnout has been well; we could not have asked for better weather and everyone is having a great time.
“It has definitely been a muddy blast, for sure.”
The 20-acre Dell ‘Osso Farms was filled with tents and trailers, featuring food booths, beer vendors and other fun events and games the accompany a festival atmosphere.
Contestants definitely showed the signs of a mud run, completing the event covered from head-to-toe in mud. Some event participants attacked the lengthy obstacle course with a goal in mind and others simply enjoyed an afternoon of exercise in the mud.
“It was a lot more than I expected,” Michelle Dalisay from Tracy said. “It was a challenge, but it was a lot of fun. People were really encouraging and it was cool because it was so muddy.
“I didn’t what to expect. I went online and thought I’d be pretty clean; I definitely didn’t think I’d be getting this muddy.”
The support of the event reaches all over the Central Valley and beyond. Contestants showed up from as far south as Fresno and as far north as Chico, with several runners making the drive from the Bay Area and Nevada, and some even flying in for the event.
With athletes competing in full costume, groups traveling the course together in packs, and families cheering on their contestants throughout the event, it is safe to say the area is a likely fit for the fun filled two-day event.
“If I had it my way, which is not often the case, we would be here every year,” Sartin said
Some 5,000 people competed on Saturday. Another 5,000 are set to run today (Sunday) starting at 9 a.m. Groups of 300 apiece will start every 15 minutes.
There is no fee for spectators although there is a $10 parking charge.
