Get dirty and fit at Heroes Mud Run

In honor of all past, present and future heroes, the third annual Heroes Mud Run will be held Saturday, May 23 at Marmion Academy and Abbey Farms, 1000 Butterfield Road in Aurora.

The first wave of runners will begin at 9 a.m., but come early to hear Jim Cornelison of the Chicago Blackhawks sing the national anthem at 8:30 a.m.

The Heroes Mud Run is a 5K, 3.1 mile-plus, for ages 14 and older and will be run over cross-country terrain. Along the way, there will be more than 20 military-like obstacles to maneuver and lots and lots of mud. This event is not timed, so you can run, walk or crawl as an individual or a team, whichever you prefer.

Don't forget your costume for your chance to be inducted into the Mud Cup Hall of Fame. A Little Heroes Mud Run for ages 4 to 13, a series of fun, muddy obstacles just their size, will begin at 10:45 a.m.

Come enjoy the fun, food, music, camaraderie and the mud with the whole family.

In addition to the military-inspired course, Marmion enlists the help of more 30 U.S. service members, U.S. Marines, Navy corpsmen, Army and National Guard, to motivate mud runners during the pre-race warm-up and throughout the course as obstacle encouragement.

A portion of the proceeds benefits the National Fallen Firefighters Foundation, the Heart of a Marine Foundation, and the USO of Illinois which proudly supports all branches and members of the Unites States Armed Forces.

Cost is $65 for age 14 and older or $20 for age 4 to 13.

More information and registration details can be found at theheroesmudrun.com.

Volunteers are needed. If you are interested in volunteering or becoming a corporate sponsor, contact the Heroes Mud Run Committee at info@theheroesmudrun.com. Follow the Heroes Mud Run on Facebook or Twitter.