Mucky is the new fad

The Hyderabad Mud Run is all set to kick off on September 14

After achieving great success in 2013, the Greater Hyderabad Adventure Club (GHAC) is all set to host the second edition of the Hyderabad Mud Run on September 14 at Lahari Resorts, Patancheru.

The Hyderabad Mud Run offers thousands of adventurers, runners and thrill-seekers a unique (and immensely mucky) fun-run experience, where one will have to run, crawl and even belly-flop their way through to the finish line. The mud run is not timed or competitive.

GHAC has been conducting these mud runs since 2012 and is expecting a participation of 1,000 to 1,200 this time, as against 500 last year. “Anyone above the age of 10 and in good health, can take part. We encourage participants to come with their friends and family,” says Diyanat Ali of GHAC.

The organising team scouts for a privately-owned land with red soil, creates the track with the necessary hurdles and conducts safety checks by taking the mud run themselves. There would be marshals at every obstacle, for example the rope travel, water pits and mud tunnels in case anyone needs help. The track would be only 2.5 to 3 km long but a challenging one to complete, which is why a certificate and a medal is given to anyone who completes it.

Ajit Sarma, an IT professional, who had attempted the Hyderabad Mud Run in 2013, said, “IT employees have no time for fitness or enjoyment. But I try to do something adventurous once in a while. A mud run may not be a regular fitness activity but I realised it is quite challenging.”

The mud run demands more than just running a certain distance. Along the route, participants are faced with a series of obstacles as they wade through mud, water and slush.

“These hurdles may seem easy, but they are pretty tough actually. Jumping through a tyre tied to a tree into a pond, or crawling in the slush underneath a series of ropes without touching these ropes is not easy. At times, it’s tough to take a few continuous steps with the clay sinking beneath your feet,” says Ajit.

The focus is on completing and not getting to the finish line first. Adopting a non-competitive format, the mud run format gives participants enough room to walk, crawl and take a few minutes break, if need be.