By Joan Pounds
On Saturday, Mwesige Solomon stood next to a rope ladder at the Kalamazoo Mud Run clutching his camera. As runners, caked in mud and dripping sweat, grabbed ahold of the rungs, Solmon snapped their picture.
His plan: To show Ugandans the event that has helped build 23 wells in their country.
"People should see what it takes," Solomon said. "The sacrifices, the running, the challenges that are here -- people are going to appreciate these wells even more after seeing all the mud and hard work."
On Saturday, 1,100 area runners descended upon the Kalamazoo Community Church grounds for the fourth annual Kalamazoo Mud Run. The 5K event is riddled with mud pits, hilly paths and obstacles, while the proceeds go to local and global charities, including well projects in Uganda.
Solomon, the founder of Good News Church in Uganda, has worked with the Kalamazoo Community Church every year since the run's inception, but got to attend the event for the first time in person on Saturday.
"I wanted to make sure I was part of this," Solomon said, noting how the funds drastically reduce effort and resources Ugandans use in obtaining drinking water, many of whom walk up to five miles and stand in lines hundreds of people long.
"That's a long time you'll have to work for clean water," Solomon said. "Then you have to carry the bucket, on your head, five miles back."
The Kalamazoo Mud Run, however, has helped raised $100,000 for drilling equipment that has led to the creation of 21 wells near Bulenga, a community nestled on the outskirts of Kampala in eastern Africa.
In addition, the money has helped build two more wells in refugee camps across Uganda and provides for freer access to safe water.
"It's like a miracle," Solomon said. "(The Mud Run) means clean water, it means life to thousands of people, it means reduced labor and reduced diseases that come as a result of bad water."
Many in attendance, such as volunteer Andrew Worden, recognized the importance of the event's mission.
"Giving water to people who don't have it is just great thinking, it's an excellent cause," Worden said. "The run is fun for people too," he added.
Joni Turks, of August, attended the event to enjoy the race in addition to supporting the cause. Turks cheered on her daughter, Adde Oswalt, and said she was excited to see every runner finish the course.
"You see all the mud caked up on everybody shoes, all the sliding, sometimes you can't even identify who the people are they're so covered," Turks said. "It's exciting; everyone is anticipating the challenge (and to) see people finish is fantastic. It's a lot of fun," she said.
The course is known for becoming more challenging every year and 2015 was no exception, said race director Donn Raseman.
"This is not your regular 5K," Raseman said, noting the course featured 21 obstacles including a balance beam, rope climbs and a pit full of fake snakes. "For a lot of these people, it's one of their biggest accomplishments athletically."
"It's extremely difficult," added Kent Frens, who has finished with the best time over the the past four years. "The obstacles are hard; the course is pretty treacherous and hilly. It all makes for a pretty grueling effort," Frens added.
Frens said he can typically finish a 5K in 15 minutes and 30 seconds. He clocked in at just under 22 minutes Saturday.
"The time should show you how much harder it is," Frens said. "(But) finishing it is a great achievement for somebody, it's hard work and a fun event that helps raise money for the folks in Uganda."
"Running and charity together," Frens added. "It's a good thing."
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