Get Muddy for Multiple Sclerosis

One national charity has found a way to combine fundraising and fun, drawing hundreds of people to this weekend to raise awareness for multiple sclerosis by bringing them to an obstacle course and mud pits.

For the past week, crews have been building the MuckRuckus MS obstacle course in the open space across from located in the county’s recreation complex. This enormous playground for adults is all part of the National Multiple Sclerosis Society’s aim to raise money and awareness for the disease. 

“They are a lot of fun,” said Bonnie Bardinas, communication’s manager of the New Jersey Metro Chapter of the NMSS. “This is a fun-filled kind of event, and it is just another opportunity to raise MS awareness .... and support a good cause.” 

The race is Saturday, and Bardinas said the event has already raised about $130,000 with nearly 1,000 people registered. The goal is to reach $500,000 for this event, said Bardinas, and she was confident the MS Society would reach that mark. 

“Our expectation was to get in the area of 700, which we have surpassed, so we are really very excited,” said Bardinas. 

To register for the MuckRuckus MS on Saturday, click here. There is a sign-up fee and a fundraising minimum. 

Heather Story, event execution manager for Event 360, was overseeing construction of the obstacle course on Tuesday. The open space on Pleasant Valley Way near the intersection of Northfield Avenue was littered with colossal jungle-gym equipment, rope climbs, and pits that crews were filling with water. 

Those who dare to take the challenge have can choose to run a 10K or 5K, and kids also have a course, said Story. The course starts in the fields at South Mountain Reservation where the obstacles are placed, and extends across the street through hiking trails next to the Orange Reservoir before ending back in the reservation across from McLoon’s Boathouse. 

When asked how dirty people can expect to get, Story said with a laugh, “They should bring a change of clothes.” 

Don't worry though, said Story, because the fire department is expected to be on hand to hose people clean.