Participants get down in the dirt for Manitoba Mud Run

Over a thousand people got down in the dirt Saturday for the Manitoba Mud Run.

The third annual event featured a treacherous obstacle course designed for participants to battle the elements. Runners faced everything from ice cold ponds to hauling concrete blocks up a hill.

“As the obstacles go on, the muddier they get and the harder it gets,” said Kevin Steinbachs, the race director. “It’s a lot of fun to get to design the course every year.”

Participants competed in teams, many dressing up in costumes quickly muddied by the course. The run wasn’t timed, and the only goal was to finish.

“My favorite part was getting over those monkey bars. I’ve done this three times and I’ve never done that before without falling,” said Sharon Stoltz, a Mud Run participant.

“The hardest obstacle was the ice bath. That was tough,” said Ryan Guiboche.

The third annual event is run by the Dauphin Rotary Club. Proceeds go back to rotary programming, while pledges will go to the Canadian Diabetes Association.

“We’re thrilled that we’re the charity of choice this year,” said Andrea Kwasnicki, the Canadian Diabetes Association regional director. “The money will stay in Manitoba here and it’ll go towards providing programming and services for people living with diabetes.”