The Battlegrounds at Cedar Lake, the Midwest’s only permanent mud run and obstacle course, will hold its fifth bi-annual race on Sat., Oct. 4 beginning at 8 a.m.  Runners can select either a 5k/3.2-mile or a five-mile mud run where they will experience more than 30 military-themed obstacles for those who are physically and mentally fit.  The Battlegrounds is located at 950 State Highway 00 in Wright City, Mo. next to Cedar Lake Cellars winery and event center.

The Battlegrounds added a new option specifically designated for elite runners to race others with similar abilities.  The 8 a.m. wave is limited to the first 250 runners, including both individual and four-person teams, who can maintain an 8 minute 30-second mile pace. 

Proceeds from the mud run will benefit The BackStoppers, a non-profit organization founded in 1959 to support the families of fallen heroes in the greater St. Louis region.  The group uses their funding to emotionally and financially assist families of police, firefighters and EMS/EMT personnel that are dealing with the loss of their first responder.  For more information, visit www.backstoppers.org.

The run’s obstacles, which vary each year to ensure new challenges, include the torpedo launcher consisting of a 50-foot water slide that empties into a 15-foot deep water pit.  Other highlights include the gauntlet, which consists of six lanes of varying difficulties situated over an eight-foot deep water pit.  The Battlegrounds incorporates all types of terrains including creeks, woods, fields and valleys that add to the intense level of competition.

On-site showers are available for mud run participants.  The event, which is free to spectators who can easily watch the run from many vantage points, includes a free kids’ mud zone area.  Post-event activities include individual and group award presentations, food and drinks.

All participants must be 18 years of age or older.  The race is $70 before June 30, $80 before July 31, $90 before Aug. 31, and $100 before Sept. 30.  Tickets are $140 on the day of the event. Registration and awards are available for individuals, as well as teams of four that can be comprised of men, women or a combination of both.  Groups of five or more are highly encouraged.  For more information, call (314) 569-3005 or visit the website at www.thebattlegrounds.com.