Delaware kids get dirty for a good cause

With perfect weather for the family friendly event, more than 1,500 kids were eager to get dirty to raise money for leukemia research.

The Leukemia Research Foundation of Delaware kicked off its second annual Mud Run Junior, Thursday, which is held in Middletown, Delaware. This event is already a favorite in Delaware, with turnouts of more than 12,000 people each year. This year’s junior run has seen a 600 person increase in mud runners.

Kids ranging in ages 6 to 13 participated in the muddy madness in six waves of 250 children. Denni Ferrera, Executive Director of the Leukemia Research Foundation of Delaware, explained the difference in race format from the adult mud run. She stated “The kids weren’t put into teams or age groups so that we could allow them to run with friends and family members of their choice.” The obstacle course and mud trail was also condensed to 1.5 miles from the 3.5 miles that the adults run.

About 100 unpaid volunteers organized the event and helped corral the hundreds of eager and energetic children. About $75,000 was raised in registration fees and 100 percent of those proceeds goes directly to leukemia research.

Ferrera admits, “Although the event is to raise money and awareness about leukemia, it is also about the community and the smiles on the kids’ faces.” She and her organization give their thanks to all who donated and participated in the event. “It is amazing the number of people that have helped this foundation and donated to this cause and we will continue this event as long as people continue their support.”