Pretty soon, Plant City might become known as the “Winter Strawberry and Mud Run Capital of the World.”
Bolstering that claim are three — well, two, technically — mud runs that are going to be held in the next three weeks. Runners who don’t mind getting muddy will be able to compete in the Blueberry Stomp Mud Run and Romp in the Swamp, and those who wish to stay dry while getting a similar experience will take on the Tactical Titan Run Oct. 18.
Simply put, if any Plant City residents have ever wanted to do a mud run but never got around to it, now is the time.
TACTICAL TITAN RUN
This weekend’s run will be the one that stands out from the pack, simply because the runners won’t exactly be sloshing through the mud.
Fans of the Mud Titan run will be pleased to know that creator Mike Nelson and It’s All Good Events are bringing their Tactical Titan 5K Run to the Hillsborough County Fairgrounds on Saturday morning, and the 30 obstacles on the course will be just as creative as its sister.
This course is designed for more than just the typical mud runner.
Nelson and his team have set up a run that caters to street runners, triathletes and even MMA practitioners.
It’s open to anyone age 12 or older, but there also will be a Mini Mud Titan for kids ages 6 to 12. That 1.5-mile run will have 15 obstacles for kids to complete.
“It’s not an adventure run where you’re required to compete in extreme conditions,” Nelson says. “It’s a perfect event for a family to do together.”
Advance registration costs $79 per runner, but runners can sign up on race day for $89. As is custom for Nelson’s runs, part of the proceeds will be donated to The Youth Alliance.
BLUEBERRY STOMP MUD RUN
Keel and Curley Winery isn’t just known for its wine, beer and live concerts. These people also like to get their hands — and feet — dirty.
For the third consecutive year, the winery will host its Blueberry Stomp Mud Run on-site. This 5K will be held on Saturday, Oct. 25, and is unique in that no other winery in the state allows people to tear up part of the grounds and get covered in mud.
Keel and Curley have set up some new obstacles for runners to tackle, and have brought back the Blueberry Stomp Pit and Blueberry Slide this year. Participants don’t have to be age 21 or older to run, but those who are will be given a souvenir glass and free beer or wine to fill it with upon finishing.
This one has a couple of different start times, depending on who is running and for what purpose. Competitive runners will start at 8 a.m., and everyone else, including the 18 and under set, will start at 10:30 a.m.
Registration is $39.99 per adult and $19.99 per minor (under 16), and teams of four can register for $179. Proceeds from this event will be donated to the Plant City Chamber Foundation Scholarship Fund.
ROMP IN THE SWAMP
It looks like last year’s inaugural Romp in the Swamp run was a success, because it’s coming back this November with a new look.
Romp in the Swamp II will now be held at Lakeside Station, 2302 Henderson Way, Plant City, but is still giving runners all of the mud and obstacles that they can handle. The three-mile course will have both natural and artificial obstacles to complete but, other than the Elite Wave runners, they can be skipped if necessary.
Anyone ages 14 or older can run the three-mile course, and there also will be two races for kids ages 5 to 8 and 9 to 13.
In addition to the run-related awards, there also will be other prizes for runners to win, including some for the best costumes. When the race is over, anyone can stick around for the after party.
Registration can be done online at the Romp in the Swamp website. Prices vary, depending on what race one wishes to sign up for, but adults can expect to pay anywhere from $69 to $79 (for Elites), and the kids’ races each cost $20. It is possible to sign up on race day, but for a higher cost.
Also, for reading the Plant City Times & Observer, you can use the code “OBSERVER30” through Oct. 24 to receive a $30 discount (adults only).
Proceeds from the event will benefit both the Foundation at South Florida Baptist Hospital and the Plant City Chamber Foundation.
Contact Justin Kline at jkline@plantcityobserver.com.
IF YOU DARE
TACTICAL TITAN 5K
WHEN: Saturday, Oct. 18. Chip-timed waves begin at 8:30 and 8:50 a.m.
WHERE: Hillsborough County Fairgrounds, 215 Sydney Washer Road, Dover.
REGISTRATION: TacticalTitanRun.com
BLUEBERRY STOMP MUD RUN
WHEN: Saturday, Oct. 25. Competitive heat begins at 8 a.m.; non-competitive at 10:30 a.m.
WHERE: Keel and Curley Winery, 5210 W. Thonotosassa Road, Plant City.
REGISTRATION: active.com/plant-city-fl/running/races/3rd-annual-blueberry-stomp-mud-run-2014
ROMP IN THE SWAMP II
WHEN: Saturday, Nov. 1. Waves begin at 9 a.m. and run every 20 minutes, through noon.
WHERE: Lakeside Station, 2302 Henderson Way, Plant City.
REGISTRATION: RompInTheSwamp.org