Movement Mayhem moves to August

Annual 1 mile/5K obstacle race to be held on August 21 at Marr Park

By Jeff Yoder
Posted 7/22/21

Movement Mayhem is moving to August this year. 

The annual obstacle races at Marr Park, sponsored by JET Physcial Therapy, have been held in October for each of the past eight years. But this …

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Movement Mayhem moves to August

Annual 1 mile/5K obstacle race to be held on August 21 at Marr Park

Posted

Movement Mayhem is moving to August this year. 

The annual obstacle races at Marr Park, sponsored by JET Physcial Therapy, have been held in October for each of the past eight years. But this year, organizers are planning the event for August, hoping to attract more participants with the warmer weather. 

“We've always had it in October, because that's National Physical Therapy month,” explained Eric Turner, owner of JET Physical Therapy.  “That’s always been a time when we try to promote healthy physical activity. 

“Having it at Marr Park in October was great, because the park always looked great with the fall colors. But one of the downsides, there were a few mornings when we start off and it's around 36 degrees. I don't think we'll have to worry about 36 degrees on August 21.”

Despite the cooler weather in the past, one of the highlights for runners was the waterslide finish - sliding downhill on a tarp with water pumped from a nearby pond. 

Turner said the plan is to change up the obstacles this year, possibly incorporating more obstacles with water into the August event. 

“We're trying to change some of our obstacles, and maybe increase the difficulty a little,” Turner said. “And to make things a little bit more exciting and fun.”

In addition to the 5K race, there is a one mile option, which is great for walkers or families with small children.

“The event has two purposes,” Turner said. “To promote fun physical activities and also to raise money for other resources in the county for others to participate in physical activity.” 

Movement Mayhem raised over $10,000 for the Washington Wellness park over the past eight years. Now that the second phase of that project has been completed, the funds are going to another project that will promote physical activity. 

This year’s proceeds will be donated to the Washington County Conservation trails for enhancements to the Kewash trail, along with the planned North Ridge trail in the Southtown area near Kalona. 

Another change for this year’s race is the addition of two food trucks. El Gringo Loco will have breakfast burritos available and Cheryl’s Homemade Ice Cream  will be serving walking tacos and ice cream.

Following the race, the first and second place finishers will receive medals, while the overall male and female winners of the 5K race will each receive a $50 gift certificate. 

All participants will be entered in a drawing to win a free year-long membership to their local YMCA.

Other prizes include a free pair of running shoes from Brown shoes, hot & cold gel packs, and sweatshirts. 

The first race is scheduled to begin at 9:00 am on Saturday, August 21. Pre-register by July 28 to be guaranteed a t-shirt and a $5 discount on the registration fee.

Visit getmeregistered.com/movementmayhem to get registered.