Black Swamp Runner returns with mud races

OAK HARBOR –– One of the area's dirtiest races is set to return this weekend. The Black Swamp Runner, a series of races in the mud, will kick off Saturday morning at the Ottawa County Fairgrounds in Oak Harbor.Organizers Troy and Sandy Anthony, from Elmore, fell in love with mud runs but were frustrated with the cost and quality of the big, out-of-town venues."We built our course to compete with even the largest venues at the fraction of the cost," Anthony said. "We also thought it would be a great way to give back to the community. We donate a portion of every race registration fee to local non-profits in our runners' names."Additionally, the Ottawa County Horse Foundation receives all the proceeds from the sale of hamburgers, hot dogs and other items during this weekend's event.The course is 3.2 miles long with more than 26 obstacles, which does not include the natural terrain through the field."You don't have to be a professional," Anthony said. "You can choose your challenge. That's what makes our course different than most."The course allows the participant to choose how far they want to push themselves by choosing the normal side or an extreme side."Each year we add something different," Anthony said. "We like to switch it up and keep it interesting so it isn't the same course."The minimum age to join is 9 years or old. Children younger than 11 must be accompanied by an adult at all times. Timed competitive races run from 9-10:30 a.m. Non-timed races run from 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.Email us at news@sanduskyregister.com. Follow us on Twitter @SanduskyRegistr and on Facebook facebook.com/sanduskyregister.Participants push themselves through the mud during a previous year's race.