On April 15th, the calm hills and mud puddles of Thomas College campus in Waterville will be charged by hundreds of runners for the fourth year in a row, as the annual Dirty Dog Mud Run resumes its tradition of raising funds to support student recreation.

The 5k race costs only $45 to enter, and registration closes April 11th. Feelin' dirty? You can sign up online!

According to Bangor Daily News, the 5K, 14-obstacle course loops through the woods and campus and involves navigating monkey bars, tire flips, a mud crawl, bucket carry, 3- to 5-foot walls, and trails. But runners are anything but discouraged by these feats, as race organizers expect enrollment to reach an all-time high this year.

“Our first year, we had 310 people participate in the race... and this year expected to be more than 700,” Assistant Dean of Student Engagement, Jim Delorie said. “We are excited to see new participants this year – and MANY who have participated for two, three, even all four years.”

I've participated in a couple mud runs before, and despite it seeming harder than a regular 5k, it's a super fun way to break up an otherwise monotonous activity of plunking one foot after the other (I'm not a runner - is it obvious?), along with a stellar way to bond with strangers. The Dirty Dog Mud Run also features food trucks, a DJ, and a kids' race called the Pup Run! What's not to love?

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