After months of preparation, publicity and hype, the second annual One King Mud Run was held last Saturday at the Barbour County Fairgrounds in Philippi. “Three miles of crazy fun” was promised to all who dared to attempt the course which - in addition to plenty of mud, featured 20 pretty innovative obstacles built especially for the occasion. Organizers particularly prided themselves in “The Big Daddy,” a 13-foot warped wall which met race participants at the finish line. Organizer Ricky Hitt said even the most seasoned athletes needed a helping hand to satisfactorily complete it.

 

One goal of the race was to draw 1,000 runners and walkers as the event was promoted for all skill levels and assistance with obstacles was not only allowed, but encouraged. The mud run was more about teamwork than it was timed finishes or accolades.

 

Although just about 400 ended up registering for the race, Ricky said a trio of very important goals were accomplished. Because the level of difficulty was fairly high overall, the event has been drawing people from various parts of the state. Building an annual statewide event is one mission of the One King Mud Run. Another goal, of course, is to raise money for the One King Sports organization which is in the process of building a multi-use indoor sports facility in Lost Creek on property in the vicinity of Horizons Church. The church currently houses the organization’s basketball program for kids. One King Sports has already expanded its offerings, implementing flag football and cheerleading for which registration is currently in progress. Once the new facility is completed, there will be a host of other sports, including indoor soccer.

 

But if One King Sports could declare just one mission, it would be to provide these athletic activities to kids – all kids – with a faith-based foundation at the core. I love it that each sporting session includes prayer, bible lessons and talk about real life. My kids all participated in sports and I think learning to work as a team offers important life lessons, not to mention physical fitness and fun. But if there’s anything more important, it’s getting rooted in the word of God. I’ve always been very vocal about my Christian faith and I offer these guys and gals kudos for what they are doing in our local communities.

 

Ricky shared a story with me that ties this all together. There was one athlete who drew ultimate cheers and even a few tears as he made it across every single obstacle – yes, even the Big Daddy. Just a first grader, Carter Cobb is a victim of spina bifida and is bound to a wheelchair. Although Ricky and fellow One King Mud Run organizers knew he was going to participate in the kids’ race last Saturday, they didn’t know he was going to attempt to complete the three-miler.

 

And he did.

 

Be it a climbing wall, mud bog or whatever – his parents Lori and Pat figured out a way for Carter to get across. In between obstacles, they pushed him in a jogging stroller. It was inspiring to say the least, Ricky said. But even after witnessing that, no one was prepared for seeing Carter cross that 13-foot warped wall finish line. About 15 feet away, that little boy got out of his wheelchair and crawled to the wall. He didn’t stop there. He proceeded to crawl up the wall until he reached extended hands ready to pull him up over the top.

 

If Carter would have been the only one in the race, it would have been worth it, Ricky said. I can just see this little guy doing something fantastic someday in the way of athletics. Perhaps he’ll even be in the Olympics. But also, he has shown a community that perseverance is possible and that we always have a divine presence in our corner if we only ask for his help.

 

As was whispered from the cornfield in the classic flick, “Field of Dreams,” “If you build it, they will come.” That certainly held true for the One King Mud Run course and I have a feeling that in years to come, even more will take part in the unique race. 

 

And as most know - but it is sure worth repeating - Philippians 4:13 says “I can do all things through Christ which strengthens me.”

 

Here’s another. Solomon, declared by God himself to have very wise, said: “Two are better than one, because they have a good return for their labor. If either of them falls down, one can help the other up.” (Ecclesiastes 4:9-10).

 

Thanks Carter and One King Sports. I would say the mud run was a success indeed and that the Cobb family utilized a little mud to make us all see a little clearer.

 

Editor's Note: Carter is beginning first grade at West Milord Elementary School.

 

With the exception of second photo from top, images are by Ben Queen of Ben Queen Photography. 

 

Julie Perine can be reached at 304-848-7200, julie@connect-bridgeport.com or follow @JuliePerine on Twitter.

 

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