Preparations are in full swing for the 18th annual Volkslauf 10k Fun Run, which is set to take place Saturday on Fort Leonard Wood.
Held each year by the U.S. Marine Corps Detachment, the Volkslauf has been described as "an extreme" 10k, covering terrain ranging from blacktop to steep, rocky hills, heavily wooded trails, mud pits and water crossings.
This year's race will also feature something several of last year's runners asked for: more man-made obstacles.
"Last year, we had two to three random obstacles that we put in at the last minute that the participants loved," explained Marine Staff Sgt. Andrew Breen, one of the race's coordinators. "So, this year we actually had some obstacles made and had even more donated. So, (participants) can expect some new challenges."
This year's race will begin at the traditional starting point on Car Wash Hill, with waves of runners being released onto the course starting at 8 a.m.
The race typically ends at Happy Hollow Recreation Area with a lunch, but participants won't know the exact route of the Volkslauf until race day.
One question even the race's coordinators can't answer yet is whether the Volkslauf will include two river crossings as originally planned.
High water due to flooding and storms has canceled the river crossings both in 2015 and 2016.
"As far as the water goes, we will not know until 24 to 48 hours before the race if (the crossings) will be canceled," Breen said. "We will post updates on the Volkslauf Facebook page."
Pre-registration ended May 30, but participants can register up until the morning of the race. Entry fees are $35 for adults and $30 for youth ages 17 and younger. Five-person teams can register for $150. Youth teams can register for $90 (youth teams must have a team captain age 18 or older).
Participants can register at Bldg. 1706 on post during business hours.
"They can register in person all the way up until (Friday), or in person the morning of the race, if they choose," Breen said.
Those who have pre-registered can pick up their race packets, which include bibs and T-shirts, from 7:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. on Friday at Bldg. 1706.
For more information, visit the @2017VolkslaufMudRace page on Facebook.
Related Links:
Maneuver Support Center of Excellence and Fort Leonard Wood Facebook
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