The third annual Mud, Sweat and Cheers fitness challenge in honor of a fallen Ithaca Marine will be held on May 9. This year’s race will include a traditional 5K run and a 5K extreme fitness challenge with obstacle courses.
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Corporal Chris Bordini, an Ithaca High School graduate, died in April 2012 from injuries sustained in combat in Afghanistan.
According to an event flyer, participants can enter the event as individuals or teams, and registration will cap at 60 teams. The entry fee for the fitness challenge will be $40 for individuals and $200 for teams of five. There is a discount for military, first responders and law enforcement. The fee for the traditional 5K will be $25 per individual.
The proceeds from this year’s events will go toward enhancing the Bordoni Trailhead on the Cayuga Waterfront Trail and to a scholarship in Bordoni’s honor for Ithaca High School students.
Terry Ciaschi, facilities director at Island Health and Fitness, is helping to organize the event. Ciaschi said the proceeds from last year’s challenge went to the Saratoga Warhorse Foundation, a nonprofit that works to help veterans who are struggling with life after military service by offering a three-day interactive experience with horses.
Ciaschi said the main focus of the Mud, Sweat and Cheers event is the team concept. Participating teams must finish with all of their members.
“That’s kind of how it is in the military; nobody gets left behind,” Ciaschi said. “You’re only as good as your weakest link.”
There will be five obstacle stations along the 5K route with multiple challenges at each. Teams will enter the course in waves every twenty minutes.
Ciaschi said the event has grown each year, and the 60-team registration cap was put in place due to the popularity of last year’s event. He said he was happy to see participation from local law enforcement, firefighters and sports teams.
Those who are interested in participating can register at the event’s website.