Elementary school students from Williams Lake and area ran through the forest encountering mud and puddles on Monday, May 12.
The annual Mud Run, hosted by Mountview Elementary School, attracted athletes from Mountview, Cataline, Marie Sharpe, 150 Mile, Distance Ed, Chilcotin Road and Nesika schools.
As the students approached the finish line, many parents and supporters were there to greet them.
The majority of the students were very muddy, fulfilling the sentiments of the event. It was apparent some students definitely embraced the mud more than others.
Four BC Wildfire Service crew members were on the road below the field where students were entering back into the school property with a fire hose ready to cool off the runners.
Some of the students didn't want to get wet, and their wishes were honoured. Others showed deep appreciation as they took in the water's spray.
As he enjoyed a subway sandwich after the run, with his parents nearby to congratulate his success, Nathen Markle said the run is fun.
"On the trail I got pretty muddy," he said, adding he lay right down in the puddles.
It was the Grade 4 Mountview student's second time doing it.
Scarlett Mortensen, a Grade 5 student at Mountview, participated in the run for the first time.
She was waiting her turn to be cleaned off by Williams Lake Fire Department's Kris Wilk who was in the paved area of the playground spraying water on the students.
When asked what she liked most, she smiled and said, "how muddy I am."
