I just got muddy and burned plenty of calories doing it! This past Saturday, April 22, the Seamark Ranch held its 4th annual mud run and it was quite a mess. In a good way. With perfect conditions, hundreds of clean participants started their day with a running plunge into a murky lake and then some.

“The muddiest part for me is Alligator Alley because you’re in waist-deep water and it’s easy to trip and fall face first. Oh and lose a shoe or two,” said a three-year participant who looked exhausted after completing the 100 yard water-filled trench and 18 previous obstacles.

The 468-acre working ranch off of State Road 16 hosts the annual Seamark Mudder, an all-natural course covering 3.1 miles and 26 challenging obstacles. Co-founder and race director Trip Gillander says the course layout accommodates those who want to have fun, or friendly competition. “We designed the course for everyone to enjoy, in a family atmosphere, and to create some challenges along the way.”

Sitting at dinner with his family, Gillander, his brother, and mom were discussing ways to raise money for the ranch. Three days later, the Seamark Mudder was approved and established. All proceeds benefit the ranch, a Christian home for kids without families and in need of a stable life. It one of the largest fundraisers of the year in Clay County with close to $120,000 in proceeds.

The event has grown from just 350 participants in the first year to over 900 mudders in 2017. Though it is not the only mud run in Northeast Florida, it is different from the national mudders.

“We, of course, raise money for an awesome cause and the ultimate goal is to have fun,” Gillander says. Mudders can compete if they want, some come back year after year to improve their time, but in the end, we impact and help the ranch kids while having fun doing it.

26 Reasons to Do the Seamark Mudder

Because there are 26 awesome obstacles like plunging into a lake and other water challenges, climbing hills with ropes or tires or slippery mud, jumping into iced water, crawling through a forest of webs, and traversing a cargo net, both up and down.

How about overcoming a fear, feeling strong, working as a team, having fun with the entire family, and of course, supporting a very good cause, right here in Clay County.

You can choose from nine different waves from: "I plan to run as fast as I can" to "I'm just here to have fun" or "I'm stopping for obstacle pics, 25 times." There is even a one-mile fun run for the little ones. Just wear disposable or old clothing, and shoes you do not mind losing or tossing out when you are done.

And when you do finish, here is what you get: a complimentary breakfast, plenty of water and bananas, a finisher’s t-shirt, unique dog tags, tattoos, photos to download, memories for life, and about 500 calories left in the mud!

Plan to Get Dirty in 2018

Be on the lookout for next year’s race which should be in April. Follow Seamark Mudder’s Facebook page for time and date, or check out their website for more information and registration, www.seamarkmudder.com

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