MuckFest MS 5K Mud Run and Obstacle Course Coming to Grayslake, August 29

Last year marked the inaugural year of Muckfest MS in Illinois, one of the newest fundraising events of the National Multiple Sclerosis Society. This year, the event is back and better than ever, hoping to build on last year’s success. The event has a new location, moving to the Lake County Fairgrounds in Grayslake, Ill., and will take place on Saturday, August 29.

Last year’s Muckfest MS event in Illinois exceeded expectations. The event had a large turnout, raised over $200,000, and brought awareness to a disease that can muddy the lives of the people who live with it. This year, the goal is for more people, more fundraising, and more fun.

The return of Muckfest MS has participants from last year, like Nycky King of Streamwood, Ill., enthusiastic and ready to get down and dirty again.

“I was very excited to prove to myself that I could do it last year,” said Nycky, who was diagnosed with MS in September of 2013.

Her husband was the one that got her initially involved with the National MS Society, and since her diagnosis, she has participated in several other events, including Walk MS and MS Soiree, and is excited to again be a part of MuckFest MS.

“Fatigue some days is a big issue and being able to get through the entire course – even if it means walking it is a huge accomplishment,” said Nycky. “I know I am very fortunate that I have full mobility and it is very emotional to see others that are struggling. So I do it because I would like to be able to make a difference to at least one person.”

Other returning participants like Erica Montello of Oak Brook, found last years’ experience to be fulfilling, and can’t to wait to take on a new course and new obstacles in 2015. Erica’s sister was diagnosed with progressive MS in 2009, and since then, she and her family have been involved with the National MS Society though events such as Walk MS. She came across Muckfest MS because of her past experiences with the Society and has gotten her co-workers involved as well by forming Team Microsoft.

“Muckfest has encouraged us to build relationships that are far more than just co-workers, but friends coming together, to share the love and support of our community,” said Erica. “It has taught us not to give up and to take anything for granted. On a personal level, it was rewarding to see how blessed I am to have a wonderful support system inside and outside of work. “

For those who don’t know what Muckfest MS is all about, it can be summed up in three words: tons of fun. Muckfest MS is a mud run, but different than the typical mud run which emphasizes strength and endurance. Muckfest MS emphasizes having fun, while participating in an event that is for a great cause.

Participants will run, climb, swing and crawl through a 5K mud-covered obstacle course. This year’s event will feature several new obstacles such as: “crash landing,” which gives you the chance to jump from a high platform like a stunt double on to an authentic crash pad and roll down a muddy hill, and “flying muckers,” which entails zip-lining over a pit of mud. The new obstacles are just two of 19 on this mucky course.

Newcomers or those hesitant to participate in Muckfest need not be alarmed. While the terms “5K” and “obstacle course” may sound daunting at first, the course itself is one that people of all skill and athleticism can conquer.

Molly Kramer, a newcomer to Muckfest MS is excited and ready to get mucky. Molly was recently diagnosed with MS this past year and her sister is the one who got her involved with Muckfest MS.

“I didn’t think our team was going to get so big. I actually thought maybe 10. Then we started talking about it all over Facebook and people started signing up. I am very excited,” said Molly. “I couldn’t be happier with the support I have been getting. Everyone seems to be very helpful with everything.”

There is still time to register for this life-changing event. The first wave/start time of Muckfest MS is at 9 a.m. on Saturday, August 29 at the Lake County Fairgrounds (1060 E. Peterson Rd.) in Grayslake, with waves occurring every half hour throughout the day. Participants will not only receive the experience of a lifetime, but will be rewarded for their efforts with a free T-shirt, beer (or soda) and photos from their mucky adventure.

For more information, or to form a team, register as an individual, or volunteer for this event, visit: muckfestMS.com. All fundraising dollars from the event go to the National MS Society.