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GREENWICH, Conn. Bob DeAngelo, executive director of the Boys & Girls Club of Greenwich, knows that a lot of runners were thrilled to see the rain Friday.
I think some people are happy with that it will make the race even muddier, said DeAngelo, whose organization hosts its first Muddy Up 4 Kids 5-kilometer race Saturday at Camp Simmons. Im sure a lot are saying if theres rain Saturday, bring it on.
The race begins at 9:30 a.m. at Camp Simmons, 774 Lake Ave., Greenwich. Runners can begin to check in at 8:30.
Runners will experience all different types of terrain at the race, DeAngelo said. Theres a lake crossing, creek beds, a rock cropping, logs and man-made obstacles. There will also be lots of mud, including a pit near the finish line that runners will have to crawl through. They will all be washed off at the finish line by a local fire department, which will supply a pumper truck.
Everybody is in for a real treat, DeAngelo said.
DeAngelo said he has wanted to hold a mud race for years, and new staff members provided incentive to make it a reality.
They were game to go, so it was a good time, DeAngelo said. Weve been working on it pretty intensively for the past three months.
More than 100 runners already registered, and DeAngelo expects to have nearly 150 for race day. The race supports outdoor programs for the Boys & Girls Club. An anonymous donor will match all contributions dollar-for-dollar. He believes the race will surpass the original fundraising goal of $20,000.
Weve signed up a lot of people that are strangers, DeAngelo said. We want to broaden the donor base. In the fundraising world, its very competitive. You have to innovate and segment your constituents. This definitely fits the bill.
Camp Simmons is a perfect venue for the race, DeAngelo said, because of its terrain.
We want to push kids out of their box of comfort, he said. Youre going to get muddy, youre to get wet. Were trying to focus on mind, body and spirit. Its an incredible opportunity to build self-esteem.
DeAngelo has completed Ironmans, cross country bike tours and triathlons. Hes eager to get the first edition of the race under way.
I love the outdoors, DeAngelo said. Im jazzed to share that with a bunch of people on Saturday.
A video preview of the course is available on YouTube. Runners can find out more information and register for the race online.
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