SELMA -- Today, hundreds of extreme-sports enthusiasts will descend on a 40-acre obstacle course off Lizzie Mill Road to scale 15-foot walls, swim through ponds and crawl under utility poles.
The first Me Fine Mud Run and Timberjack Challenge isn't for the faint of heart. In fact, it's recommended only for those who've been training for the event for months.
"For the most part, it's (for) pretty serious-minded people who are involved in fitness on a pretty regular basis," said event organizer Lori Lee. Anyone who doesn't fit that description, she added with a laugh, "will probably die."
Money charitable causes have foot races to raise money. But for Princeton-based Me Fine Foundation - which helps families with sick children - a simple walk or run just wasn't exciting enough.
"The mud races are getting bigger around the country, and we like to be unique," Lee said.
The course is still 5 kilometers long, but participants have to negotiate 30 to 33 obstacles along the way. And they can expect to get dirty - covered in mud from head to toe dirty.
So far, 200 people from around the state and beyond have signed up. The four-person teams include military personnel and firefighters, though a few have less physical day jobs.
The course was designed by the event's sponsor, Woodall's Fitness, with help from the landowner, who's a veteran logger. The course has been under construction since June, and it'll be a permanent installation.
Today's event will also offer shorter, less-intensive kids' course with inflatables and other activities. And spectator stands will be set up throughout the course for those who want to keep their clothes clean.
The Me Fine Foundation takes its name from something said by 2-year-old Folden Lee IV, who lost his battle with leukemia several years ago. He was known for saying "me fine" whenever asked how he was feeling. The charity has provided toys, hotel stays, groceries and gas money to patients and families at local children's hospitals.
