CLEMMONS  —  On June 23, the Jerry Long Family YMCA hosted its first Dirty Dozen 5K Obstacle Mud Run with over 165 participants. The Dirty Dozen 5K Obstacle Mud Run is a tough but achievable challenge for adults and youth (ages 7 and up) of all fitness levels. Whether navigating the 3.1-mile course as an individual or team, participants were challenged as they ran through more than 12 obstacles that tested their strength, stamina and endurance.

The event attracted young adults, families and new volunteers from throughout the Triad area and even as far as Raleigh. One of the participants said this on the post-event survey: “I was finished, and I went back to see a friend/coworker go through the mud pit. As I was walking over, a young man around 9 or 10, was trying to get over the hay bales. He was alone. He tried twice and couldn’t get over. I stopped and showed him how to use my knee to get a leg up, he had a huge smile spread over his face, “thanks” he said. He went flying over, turned back to me, and gave me a huge thumbs up.”

“The spirit of teamwork and friendly competition is a huge part of what made the event a success,” said Adam Cardwell, one of the race organizers and Senior Engagement Director — Retention and Wellness Operations for the Jerry Long Family YMCA. “We are grateful to the sponsors, runners, volunteers, and Y staff for an amazing and unforgettable experience.”

The 2018 award winners:

Female 8 to 14: Keira Bach (1) and Nyla Hooper (2)

Male 8 to 14: Cameron Clark (1), Jonah Legrande (2), and Cooper Giese (3)

Female 15 & over: Joanna Whitler (1), Julie Sutter (2), and Michelle Lawson (3)

Male 15 & over: Chris Grogan (1), Chad Plass (2), and Carrington Dahmer (3)

Overall teams: Regan-Pfaff (1), S-Force (2), and FiA Winston Salem (3)

Proceeds from the event will go back to the community and Y innovative health programs benefiting those battling chronic diseases.  The Y is a charitable organization committed to transforming the lives of our community.

The second annual Dirty Dozen 5K Obstacle Mud Run will be held on Saturday, June 22, 2019. Registration will open on Dec. 1, 2018. Find the 2018 race photos here: http://sales.catchaspark.com/gallery/dirty/home. Find the 2018 race results:triviumracing.com/results. For those interested in sponsoring the 2019 Dirty Dozen 5K Obstacle Mud Run, please contact Adam Cardwell at a.cardwell@ymcanwnc.org.