Muddy for a Cause

Muddy Miles, hosted by Heritage Health and The Kroc Center, has become the family fun event of the summer in North Idaho. Every July volunteers build an amazing two-mile course full of mud, obstacles, water and fun! This year will be no exception as Mike Baker, CEO of Heritage Health, said they are bringing in a foam pit, new obstacles and more water to the field legs of the event.

Muddy Miles began in 2011 as a fundraising event and has exploded into a community get together that also raises funds for health services for our community members. Last year over 1,000 people from ages 3 and up braved the heat and mud for this great cause. The money raised from registration goes to help patients of Heritage Health with co-pays and other costs they may not be able to afford.

The money directly impacts our friends and neighbors and stays in our communities. Heritage has clinics in Rathdrum, Post Falls, Coeur d’Alene and the Silver Valley that receive the funds from Muddy Miles. Starting this year, race organizers will be going over registrations and putting the funds back into the clinics that are closest to the registered racer, which means your money goes to help your neighbors.

Muddy Miles is not only about the funds raised, but the involvement and combined support of the people of North Idaho and surrounding areas. Heritage and The Kroc Center both have philosophies rooted in love and community. Both truly offer places where all people are welcome and judgment is thrown out the window.

The atmosphere they have created within their gym and clinics transfers directly to the race; it’s basically like a family reunion with a few crazy cousins you are meeting for the first time. One of the best parts of the race is the costumes; they encourage you to dress up as wacky as you can and with as much flair as you can. Tutus on men are a popular sight at Muddy Miles, wigs and face paint are also common place for this event.

With all ages over 3 welcome to race and with individuals to large groups participating, there is a wide array of creativity in costuming — even if you cannot race it’s great to watch the action from the grandstands. Most attend wanting that shiny finisher's medal given out as you cross the finish line drenched in mud and grins. Every year there’s a new medal for finishers and racers covet those they have collected so far. Why not start your collection this year?

Muddy Miles 2015 will be held at the Kootenai County Fairgrounds on Saturday, July 18, 10am to 1pm. For more information and registration visit www.MuddyMiles.org. Registration will continue until the day of the race.

#health #events #Outdoors #FamilyKids #entertainment