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Gettin' dirty for a good cause

by DEVIN HEILMAN/dheilman@cdapress.com
| July 18, 2014 9:00 PM

COEUR d'ALENE - Good, clean fun while covered in mud?

Yep, that's the fourth annual Muddy Miles, and it's taking place at the Kootenai County Fairgrounds Saturday from 3:30-7 p.m.

An arena will be set up with a two-mile, mud-soaked course including a multitude of obstacles: a Slip 'n Slide, tire balance beam, Lake Mukamuka, a "concrete wall of terror," spectators spraying Silly String, throwing Wiffle balls and water balloons and much more. About 400 yards of extra dirt and gallons upon gallons of water have been brought into the arena, with fire hoses and sprinklers that will continue to flood the area for 12 hours before the race.

"We've got water for folks, we've got sticky mud, we've got friendly mud that reminds you of a mud puddle," said Heritage Health volunteer Alan Brockway. "The sticky mud is so sticky it will pull the shoes right off your feet."

The event is a collaborative effort to raise funds for Heritage Health and the Salvation Army Kroc Center. Heritage Health development director Tiffany Morrett said last year's Muddy Miles brought in more than $20,000 and this year's proceeds will help provide medical, dental and health care to Heritage patients in need as well as scholarships for families to use the Kroc's facilities to help them maintain active and healthy lifestyles.

"Minus the Dirty Dash, there's never been anything like this in Kootenai County," Morrett said, adding that it's a great way to combine fun and being active with a way to support the local nonprofits.

The Muddy Miles will be split into heats, including competitive adult, competitive youth, family gloopapalooza and team rampage. Morrett said it's a great family event and that she and her two children enjoy participating. A photo booth will be on site as well.

"It's a fun event for us to get muddy and take pictures," she said. "It's a great Christmas photo of families getting all dirty together."

About 1,000 people have already registered for the race and online registration is open until 8 tonight. Registration costs $15 for youths age 16 and younger, $35 for adults 17 and older and $100 for a family of two adults and three youths. Registration will also be available the day of the event.

"We still have room if you want to come out," Morrett said. "If you want to come out at 2, 3 o'clock, we still have room."

Info: www.muddymiles.org.