NICEVILLE — As the runners emerged from the woods, they slowed for a fraction of a second.
Clad in tutus, running gear, superhero costumes or shirts blazoned with their team’s name, they eyed the swirling pool of rust-colored mud in front of them.
Hesitation over, they created a tidal wave as they threw themselves in.
At the second annual Emerald Coast MudRun for Orphans, getting dirty was most of the runners’ goal.
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The race is a fundraiser for Heart of the Bride Ministries, a nonprofit group that helps orphans worldwide.
Last year, the MudRun offered three races and attracted 1,500 runners, said Kristi Mann, one of the race directors. Six races were offered this year: a 5-mile race, four 5K races and a children’s race.
Organizers had to reopen registration to accommodate 3,900 participants.
“The response was just amazing,” said Mann, who noted that the MudRun is the only race of its kind in the area.
Depending on the race, competitors faced cargo nets, rope webs, monkey bars, rice totes, haystacks, and more.
Everyone faced the final pool-sized mud pit, deepening their rust-colored glow.
For 12-year-old Connor Lipscomb of Dothan, Ala., that was his favorite part.
“It definitely wasn’t my favorite,” his dad, Brad Lipscomb, said ruefully.
After hearing about the race, the Lipscomb family decided to combine it with a weekend at the beach.
“We just thought it was a great cause,” Brad said.
As she watched other runners slosh through the mud pits, Debbie Lynn was getting excited about her turn later in the day.
“I was just getting goose bumps, it was so cool,” Lynn said.
The rest of team Down and Dirty — Joyce Tomas, Mel Rodrigues, and Dawn Souza — had been looking forward to the event since competing last year. Although she recently had a metal plate inserted in her arm, Tomas planned to tackle as many obstacles as she could.
“We love this so much,” she said.
Andrea McComas of team 4 Non Blondes was looking forward to a relaxing race.
“At this fun run, it’s just a chance to have fun and not worry about times,” McComas said.