More than 13,000 women got muddy at Pocono Raceway over a two-day Mud Girl Run June 3-4. The event is “an obstacle course dedicated to women” with 3 miles of fun and 17 “doable” obstacles. The stations were either dirty, fun, or for strength and agility.

The Mud Girl run bills itself with one goal: “Run together stronger to remember it forever. You will face mud, obstacles and inflatables in an amazing atmosphere surrounded by women of all ages, all fitness levels. Gather your friends, your family, or even your colleague and be a part of the strong #PinkArmy community.”

First was the mud crawl where participants begin their mud journey. Other obstacles included a big slide, balance beam, cargo pyramid and cargo wall.

The annual 5K event is geared toward empowerment of women. The sponsors have raised more than $300,000 for breast cancer since 2017 when a team member was diagnosed.

There is no timing and no obligation to complete all the obstacles. You are here for the sole purpose of having fun and having a great experience, regardless of your athletic ability.

The run is open to all women between the ages of 7 and above.

Clever slogans were printed on shirts of groups running together such as “Girls Play off-Road” for a group of Jeep owners, “Avenghers,” “Got Mud?” and “Mud, Sweat and Sparkle” for a group wearing tutus, as were the supportive husbands and sons.

Cousins Kae’leigh Logan, 13, and Jaliyah Ortiz, 14, from Allentown said the best part was “climbing up and down the mountain of mud” and “pushing my cousin in the mud.”

A group of 10 co-workers from New Hope Community in New York, a residential facility for disabled adults, called themselves the “Avenghers” ranging in age from 13 to 64 years old. Trudy Unger, 64, has been in remission from breast cancer for 2 months after being diagnosed in 2021.

A common theme throughout the day was one of fun and support. Susanne Fuhran from York said, “I love that random people helped us get over fears and we rallied like a community.”

A changing/rinsing station was available and much needed. All participants got a Mud Girl tattoo, bag, water bottle, headgear and a metal at the finish line. They posed for photos with an “I conquered Mud Run” background and clearly enjoyed the fun day in the mud.

“At first, I really did not want to do this,” said Caroline Lapopolo of Albrightsville. “My cousin signed me up and then couldn’t make it. I decided to bring my 11-year-old daughter - and met up with another friend Sheena and her daughter Lily and the four of us had the best time. Even though I was reluctant at first, I’m so glad we did this. I met so many interesting and inspiring women of all ages. Good vibes everywhere.”