In a child’s mind, nothing could be more fun than splashing in puddles and playing in the mud. As we grow up, the notion of getting dirty becomes less appealing, but never fully goes away. To that end, the Sunriver Owners Association (SROA) is hosting its third annual Sunriver Mudslinger Spring Break Mud Run on Sunday, March 22.

The SROA had heard about other Mudslinger events and decided to host one in 2013. Then, last year the event had more than 800 participants, ranging from 2 to 75 years old.

“We knew it was a popular event,” explained Emily Savko, SROA recreation programs manager. “We wanted to create one that is special to Sunriver. Ours is multi-generational and designed with varying levels of difficulty.”

Although the Sunriver Mudslinger is designed to be a family-friendly, non-competitive event, there will be a timed wave open to 100 racers ages 16 and older. Prizes will be awarded to the top three male and the top three female finishers in the competitive race. And, for those who are in it simply to have fun, there will be a costume contest.

The course begins in the Hola! restaurant parking lot and takes runners through Mary McCallum Park and back again. There will be seven mud-based obstacles, including three mud pits with water and a mud bog. The wall climb has three different heights, suitable for kids and adults, while 300 tires make up the tire run. Other challenges include a balance beam crossing, spider rope climb, rope crossing, tree hurdle, and an army crawl below an 18-inch barrier.

“It’s quite a challenge,” said Savko. “But it’s a great way to make family memories, which is what Sunriver is all about.”