Twin Cities MuckFest MS, Mud- and Obstacle-filled Run for MS Society, Set for Saturday

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by Charles Moore |

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MuckFest MS 2016

Twin Cities MuckFest MS 2016 (Courtesy of Gameface Media and MuckFest MS)

The Twin CitiesĀ MuckFest MSĀ is set for Saturday at theĀ Scott County Fair in Jordan, Minnesota. All money raised in the event will go to the National Multiple Sclerosis Society toĀ support its work in helping people living with multiple sclerosis (MS) and in advancing research toward better treatments and a cure.

The MuckFest MS is a fun mud run that has raised millions for the Society, and requires no special training or equipment ā€” the only things needed, organizers says, are sneakers, a sense of humor and a willingness to get a little mucky.Ā Participants run on a designed 5K course that features super-sized obstacles and lots of mud.

A first wave of runners in the Aug. 19 event will take to the course at 9 a.m., followed by successive groups every 20 minutes throughout the day.

“We muck it because ā€¦ We want to end MS,” MuckFest MS proclaims on its webpage. “Even though the event is built for laughs from start to finish, weā€™re on a serious mission to advance cutting-edge research and support the life-changing work of the National MS Society.”

Runners are advised toĀ wear closed-toe sneakers, and cleats of any kind are not permitted. An older of soiled choice of clothing is welcome, but should be clothes that won’t restrict movement and will provide protection as runnersĀ move through the obstacles. Pants or shorts are acceptable. Many muckers, organizers say, choose to wear thin work or athletic gloves to better grip obstacles and ropes.

All MuckFest MS events are held in wet muddy fields, so there is little flat terrain. They are not ADA-standard accessible, wheelchair runners will have to move through grass and dirt. TheĀ organizers, however, promise to do their best to make portions of the event accessible to people with disabilities.

Participation is $105 on the day of event, plus processing fee, and those planning to register Saturday are asked to arrive by 10 a.m. Online registration is now closed. Spectators are welcome without charge.

According to theĀ MS Society, “the MuckFest MS runners and volunteers have raised over $27 million to support the life-changing work of the National MS Society” to date. “That means more cutting-edge research and continued support for people living with MS in your community.”

Multiple Sclerosis News TodayĀ plans to interview an event participant ā€” Beth Kantor, a retired nurse from Plymouth, Minnesota, who has relapsing MS ā€” after the event.Ā Kantor is alsoĀ volunteering at this year’s MuckFest MS, helping others as they too take to the course.

The first wave/start time is at 9:00 a.m Saturday, August 19, and then every 20 minutes throughout the day.

More information, including a look at the obstacles, is available here. A blog by past Muckfesters, offeringĀ ideas and suggestions, is also available.

MuckFest MS runs take place in a dozen U.S. cities each year.Ā AbbVie is the national sponsor, and local sponsors for MuckFest MS 2017 include Acorda and Genentech. A national event sponsor is The Traveler Beer Co.