Lake McMurtry to host inaugural children’s mud run

Obstacle filled mud runs are not just for adults anymore.  

One thousand children between the ages of six and 13 are invited to experience “Fun in the First Degree” at Mud U, a mud run set for April 26 and 27 at Lake McMurtry, north of Stillwater. 

The 1.5 mile race was developed by Dr. Tim Baghurst, assistant professor of health and human performance at Oklahoma State University. It offers 15 different obstacles and is meant to “get kids outside doing something that improves their health, fosters friendship and teamwork, but above all is fun,” said Baghurst. “I was inspired to develop the race when my youngest son asked to participate in an adult mud run.”  

Baghurst wants to include his son and other children in the growing mud run culture as a way to promote physical activity for youth through a fun, unique and memorable event designed specifically for them.  Lack of physical activity is a major contributor to childhood obesity and Oklahoma’s youth are no exception.

This event is a time for children to explore the course and because of that, no parents will be allowed on the course. There will be assistants at every obstacle. There will be no swimming during any part of the race.

Photographers will be on the course and the pictures will be available for purchase a few days after the event.  The last three obstacles will be visible to parents to take their own pictures.   When the children finish the end of the race, their parents will have the chance to spray them with water and get as much mud off the racers as possible.

Mud U is a collaborative effort with non-profit Lake McMurtry Friends, Visit Stillwater, Oklahoma State University students and faculty, local businesses and volunteers.

For more information, to register or to volunteer, go to www.muduniversity.org or follow updates via Facebook at www.facebook.com/funinthefirstdegree. 

PHOTOS: https://www.flickr.com/photos/ostatenews/sets/72157643315261955/

Story by Alex Marianos