PORT ANGELES — It’s time to get down and dirty for the inaugural Run A Muck Challenge & Music Festival on Saturday at the Extreme Sports Park in Port Angeles.
Organizers are expecting thousands for the all-day concert and obstacle course “mud run,” which is designed for athletes of all skill levels.
Participants will climb over, under and through 24 obstacles — including a 100-foot mud slide, boulder climb, hills and a maze of industrial-sized tires — on a muddy 3.5-mile course at the Extreme Sports Park at 2917 W. Edgewood Drive.
Gates open at 7:30 a.m. Saturday for same-day registration.
Mud runners will attack the course in waves beginning at 9 a.m. Saturday. A new wave will start every half-hour until 6 p.m.
Teams of 10 or more can sign up for $40 per person, saving $10 from the individual rate of $50 per person.
A $20 spectator pass is available for those who’d prefer to stay dry and cheer for their friends.
Although the run is not chip-timed, a digital clock will be positioned near the finish for those want to compete against their friends.
If you can’t negotiate a certain obstacle, perhaps a wall or the 100-foot bog under a giant cargo net, simply go around it.
“This is all about having fun,” said Kelie Morrison, event organizer and co-owner of the Extreme Sports Park, which drew thousands for the U.S. Sprint Boat Association races Aug. 11 and Sept. 8.
“A lot of folks have signed up in teams, and I’m sure we’ll see people helping each other as they make it through the course.”
Some obstacles on the 90-acre site are being kept under wraps as a race-day surprise.
“This course is something you can make as difficult as you want it to be,” said Dan Morrison, Extreme Sports Park co-owner and sprint boat driver.
“I’ve heard from some folks in law enforcement that they are going to see if they can set a time record for their buddies to beat,” he said.
“But at the same time, if you get to a wall you don’t want to go over, it’s OK to go around.
“If you have a friend that needs a hand or a good shove, no one is going to mark you down for assisting,” he added.
“It’s all about having a great time.”
Both the spectator pass and the mud run entry fee are good for the music festival.
The festival is headlined by notable AC/DC cover band Hell’s Belles.
The all-girl band has been rated as the best AC/DC cover band in the U.S., Run A Muck promoter Doc Reiss said.
A DJ and several local bands will perform throughout the day.
Camping passes are available for $20. The pass is good for tonight, Saturday night or both.
Mud run participants will receive a Run A Muck headband, medallion, racing bib, free parking, a snack and a complimentary beverage after the run.
Organizers also will be handing out awards for categories such as Oldest Mucker, Muckiest of Muckers, Cutest Mucking Couple and Best Coordinated Outfit, Reiss said.
Changing rooms, primitive showers and propane heaters will be available for the runners.
The Port Angeles High School girls soccer team and staffers from Daily Grind are among the preregistered teams, Reiss said.
For more information on the Run A Muck Challenge & Music Festival, including a video demonstration of the mud run, visit www.extremesportspark.net.
Reporter Rob Ollikainen can be reached at 360-452-2345, ext. 5072, or at rollikainen@peninsuladailynews.com.
