Mud + Run = Joint Base Fun

A mud run participant wades through a swamp at the "Marsh Madness" obstacle Sept. 8 during the Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst "Beast of the East" Mud Run here. Running enthusiasts tackled 23 obstacles in which they low-crawled, jumped, balanced, climbed, trudged and even swam their way through. (U.S. Air Force photo by Angel Lopez/Released)

Beast of the East takes the joint base

Published Sept. 12, 2014
By Lori E. Flynn
Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst Public Affairs

JOINT BASE MCGUIRE-DIX-LAKEHURST, N.J. -- The Beast of the East Mud Run returns to Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst Sept. 13, 2014, from 8 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. and is open to the public.

Pre-registration may be over, but DoD ID card holders will be able to register day of from 7-9 a.m. Those registering day of will be required to participate in the 10 a.m. run.

Since its 2008 inception, the Beast of the East Mud Run has maintained a winning strategy by combining a one-of-a-kind obstacle course with safety as the number one priority.

"The course challenges a person or team mentally, physically, or even spiritually to attack various obstacles that consist of climbing a cargo net to traversing deep water that requires the ability to swim," said Mark Smith, 87th Force Support Squadron Lakehurst fitness director and Beast of the East Mud Run course director.

Each service plays an integral part by maintaining obstacles and an area of responsibility on the course. They have the opportunity to wear their colors, as well as motivate and intimidate the competitors.

"Each year the course has morphed. Each year we make improvements, and each year we add an obstacle or two," Smith said.

The majority of the mud run takes place on range-training tactical areas, which is under the oversight of the Army Support Activity-Dix Training Management Division.

The obstacle course is not only a challenge for competitors, but also poses hurdles for safety concerns. Ensuring the safety of runners will include having safety monitors, first responders, and hydration stations throughout the obstacles.

"Are we still going to have twisted ankles?" said Piper. "Oh, yes. It is an over-land course, and there are some pretty challenging obstacles and if people don't come down right they can twist an ankle or a knee."

Individual fitness is a safety concern that can't be mitigated by safety officers, but Smith offered advice on specific training that can prepare participants to make it safely across the finish line.

"The buzz word out there is functional fitness. To me, it's reverting to your childhood and doing the things you used to have fun with ... and flexibility is extremely important," said Smith.

The minimum age requirement is 12 years old, and the participant must be accompanied by an adult to compete in the mud run.

There is no maximum age limit, Smith said. "If your heart is young and your fitness level is there, go for it!"