Runners to get muddy at Delaware Swamp Stomp

Who says puddle jumping is just for kids? Now grown-ups have an excuse to play in the mud, at the second annual Delaware Swamp Stomp 5K run in Gumboro.

The mud run leaves the typical 5K race in the dust, inviting participants to climb, crawl, run and dodge through 3.1 miles of obstacle course on Saturday, Sept. 8, at 9 a.m., rain or shine.

The Swamp Stomp is hosted at the Gumboro Mud Bog, home of the Gumboro Mud Bowl. K.C. Conaway and others organized the event as a way to fundraise for local charities.

“We wanted to find some way to help benefit our country and our community,” Conaway said.

They keep it local by splitting all proceeds between Delmarva Christian High School, which is funding a new school building, and Delaware Community Appreciation Group, which assists injured soldiers returning home from active duty.

While people can run the course alone, the fundraiser promotes teamwork. Teams of four are encouraged to begin and complete the race together and to have fun doing so.

“You gotta help each other. We encourage all teams,” said Conaway. “It’s not about your time; it’s a fun run. If you see other teams struggling, help them through.”

That is especially important because, with 20 obstacles, Conaway said, “We’re going to have some surprises for them this year.”

Only in its second year, Delaware Swamp Stomp has nearly 300 participants from across Delaware, Maryland, Pennsylvania, Virginia and Jew Jersey.

“Those guys had a really good time last year,” said Conaway. “They must have had a good time if they’re coming back again.”

Children ages 12 to 17 may participate with parental permission. Young children can also participate in a mini-Dash for Cash across one mud pit.

There will be food vendors, and water stations will line the course for people to refresh themselves or wash their faces.

“Come on out and have a good time,” said Conaway. “People will laugh as hard as they can laugh and breathe as hard as they can breathe.”

Admission and parking is free for bystanders, friends and families of participants. Last year, Conaway said, people were out there with cameras to get family portraits for their Christmas cards.

For registration or more information, visit www.DelawareSwampStomp.com or check out the Facebook page. Entries may be accepted on race day, but pre-registration is preferred, by Thursday, Sept. 6. The cost is $180 per team ($45 per person) or $50 for solo runners.