2018 Camp Hansen World Famous Mud Run challenges Local and US communities

Photo By Lance Cpl. Kelcey Seymour | CAMP HANSEN, OKINAWA, Japan – A runner slides down into a pool of murky water during the 2018 Camp Hansen World Famous Mud Run April 15 aboard Camp Hansen, Okinawa, Japan. The mud mounds had pools of water at the bottom, making the path more challenging. The event had over 3,000 participants from all over Okinawa. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Pfc. Kelcey Seymour)  

OKINAWA, JAPAN

04.16.2018

Story by Pfc. Kelcey Seymour 

Marine Corps Installations Pacific

CAMP HANSEN, OKINAWA, Japan – The local and U.S. communities came together to compete in the 2018 Camp Hansen World Famous Mud Run April 15 aboard Camp Hansen.

The 2018 Camp Hansen World Famous Mud Run had the participants of all ages run the six different courses varying from a 1-kilometer route all the way to a 10km route.

“This event isn’t just a run, it’s a festival,” said Jonathan Jones, the event coordinator. “We have food venders, music and a fun land. We have a run for all ages and fitness levels from the child 1km and 3km to competition and fun 5km and 10km.”

The event started with children ages five to nine, running through inflatable obstacles, crawling through water pools and climbing over walls. Children, ages 10 to 15, ran a 3km that took them through mounds of mud and splashing through pools of water. After the children’s events, the competition 5km and 10km races began.

“I loved how this brought so many different people together,” said Lance Cpl. Lisandro Diaz, a field radio operator with Headquarters Regiment, 3rd Marine Logistics Group. “The energy and vibes helped push me through the pain and struggles of the run. The hardest part is keeping the mindset of pushing through. The body tells you to stop but you have to refuse to stop because you can make it, you can push through and finish strong.”

The runners took the overcast and rain in good sport as they slipped and climbed, sometimes using their hands to claw their way up mounds of mud and through the pools of murky water. The run was a challenge but it did not diminish the smiles on the faces of competitors.

“What made the mud run truly great was a multitude of people from different backgrounds and communities coming together on a rainy Sunday for one common goal,” said Cpl. Alexander Dent, a driver with Headquarters and Support Battalion, Marine Corps Base Camp Butler. “Individuals or team runners were helping each other throughout the run, whether it be moral support or physically pushing each other up the mud obstacles.”

• Date Taken: 04.16.2018
• Date Posted: 04.16.2018 02:54
• Story ID: 273152
• Location: OKINAWA, JP