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Team MDL, community run 'Beast of the East'

  • Published
  • Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst Public Affairs
JOINT BASE MCGUIRE-DIX-LAKEHURST, N.J. --  Mud splattered ballerinas, superheroes and video game characters braved ponds, mud "mountains" and dozens of other obstacles during this year's 8th annual "Beast of the East" Mud Run held here Sept. 19.

The grueling 10k course challenged participants from throughout the Northeast and offered a rare opportunity for community members to come through the gate.

"This was my first race ever," said Tony Larrea, a Sewell, New Jersey resident. "Being a 10-kilometer run it was incredibly challenging, but it was fun.  It was about the experience and friendly competition."

Runners had to crawl, swim, jump and climb over 20 obstacles along the course which included several mud pits and ponds; a tire flip; a ropes course; foam; climbing walls and many more.

The entire event required significant coordination and involved more than 100 volunteers just to man the course.

"This is a true joint base event because every branch of service is represented, whether they're running or volunteering," said Christa Brady, 87th Force Support Squadron mud run coordinator.

Running in teams, as a family or individually, each person finished the run filthy and smiling.

"My first mud run here was just fantastic with my teammates," said Col. Frederick D. Thaden, joint base and 87th Air Base Wing commander.

"Mud as One!"