Philadelphians got filthy for a cause at Merrell’s Down and Dirty Mud Run yesterday in Fairmount Park.
The sold-out event featured nearly 6,000 racers who completed 5k and 10k courses while tackling military-style obstacles including climbs, water crossings and, of course, a crawl through a giant pit of mud. Age categories ranged from 13-17 to 75+, as well as a separate race for kids 4 and up.
Sponsored by Subaru, the event raised funds for Operation Gratitude, an organization that sends care packages to U.S. service members stationed abroad.
27-year-old Tom Startz of Dresher won the 10k race with a time of 43:30, while 38-year-old Matthew Pitz of Downingtown took home the 5k prize with a time of 18:15.
