Over 150 race in Chamber’s “Swamp & Stomp Mud Run”

BY KRISTY TERRYCalhoun County Chamber of CommerceExecutive DirectorThe Chamber of Commerce’s first Swamp & Stomp Mud Run was a tremendous success! More than 150 people registered for the run, with more than 200 attending to either participate or watch. The Altha Recreation Park was the perfect location for the event, and the Town of Altha’s assistance in preparing for the event was remarkable. Of the participants, more than 75 percent traveled 50 miles or more. Runners were from as far away as Daytona Beach and Decatur, Alabama. The Chamber worked with local businesses to promote their services by adding coupons to each registration bag, as well as brochures on the Panhandle Pioneer Settlement, and other local attractions like The Depot Museum and Blountstown Greenway.The Swamp & Stomp Mud Run was approximately three-miles long, and incorporated obstacles throughout the course. Runners were faced with hay bales to jump, fire wood to carry, tires to run through, culverts and tunnels to crawl through, and the final obstacle was the park’s 200-foot mud pit. Ropes were tied across the pit to encourage mud runners to get down and dirty before crossing the finish line.Funds raised from the event will go directly towards more economic development and eco-tourism initiatives for the Chamber of Commerce.The Chamber partnered with Florida Quitline!, which was a very generous sponsor for the event. Local sponsors included Blountstown Drugs, B’s Photo, Inc., Merle Norman Salon, Spa & Gifts, Alexander Concrete, Bailey Barns, Bristol Dental Clinic, Dr. M. Bontrager, Calhoun Liberty Employees Credit Union, Clay O’Neal’s Land Clearing, Inc., Danny Ryals Real Estate, Felix Gay Farms, Frubob, Gravel Girlz, Inc., Hungry Howies, K&M Pine Straw, McClellan’s Chiropractic Center, Neal Land & Timber, Oglesby Plants International, Inc., Preble-Rish Engineering, Inc., Ramsey’s Piggly Wiggly, Rapunzels Hair Salon, Superior Bank NA, TNT Collision Center, Van Lierop Insurance Services, Inc., Waldorff’s Ace Hardware, and Whit’s Auto Repair.