OSHKOSH, Wis (WFRV) – The 10th annual Kids Mud Run at the Oshkosh YMCA’s 20th Avenue location turned into a muddy, memory-making tradition for families across the area on Sunday.
Kids ages 4 to 16 took on a mile-long course packed with 20 muddy obstacles — the most in the event’s history. Co-director Ben Clewien said they wanted to go all-out for the milestone year.
“This is our tenth annual mud run so we went big this year,” Clewien said. “We went up 20 obstacles, up 15 from last year, and brought back some of our favorites… some that have been long-running obstacles, some new ones.”
The event also included a free Mini Mud Run for toddlers ages 1 to 3, no registration required. The day serves as both a family fun day and a fundraiser — supporting the YMCA’s For All Program, which helps provide financial assistance for memberships, youth sports, swim lessons, and childcare.
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“Proceeds for this go to our annual campaign,” Clewien said. “It helps individuals be in our sports leagues, participate in swim lessons, all sorts of things — it also helps out with membership as well.”
Participants like Leon and Vincent McNab from Oshkosh took on the challenge together, cheering each other on through the tough parts of the course.
“I figured out how to hold [the water bucket] so it was more easier, and then I was telling him to go, go, you can do this!” Leon said.
Families say the event has become a seasonal staple.
“This is like our kickoff to summer,” said Lindsay Mischkovich of Ripon, who ran with her daughter. “We just enjoy getting out in the fresh air and having fun.”
With laughter, teamwork, and of course, mud, the event once again delivered on its mission — to bring the community together in support of youth development, healthy living, and social responsibility.
