Runners get muddy in memory of Hedland residents

Things are going to get muddy in Hedland next month with an obstacle course event to raise money for charity and the family of a police officer who died suddenly.

Those keen to take part in the inaugural The Great Hedland Mud Run have until Monday to register their interest with organisers for the September 20 event.

The run, the brainchild of South Hedland police youth crime intervention officer Shaun Coles, was originally organised to raise money for Bright Blue, the police commissioner’s fund for sick children, and Paul Kilmartin’s family after the long-term Hedland resident was killed in a fatal crash in June.

However, the Kilmartin family, who said they had been overwhelmed by the support from the Hedland community, have asked for their share of the funds to be given to the young family of Detective Senior Constable Mark Tweeddale, who died unexpectedly while playing netball earlier this month.

Senior Constable Coles said the event would not have been possible without the support of Goodline, which has covered the $5000 cost of liability insurance, and the Hedland Motorcycle Association, which had donated its land to be used for the course.

Sen. Const. Coles said the event consisted of a 1km run, followed by a 2km obstacle course, including mud pits, climbing, crawling, pushing and pulling obstacles and a “bunch of other secret stuff”.

“There are several categories — competitors can nominate as singles, teams of four and corporate teams of five, and those that just want to relax and walk the course, ” he said.

“Competitors can win trophies for fastest male and female, fastest team and for the inaugural Corporate Cup.

“The event will raise funds for two very worthy causes and provides the adults in the community with a great excuse to play in mud and test their fitness all in the name of fun”.

Sen. Const. Coles said entry cost was $50 a person, entrants had to be 18 years of age and were limited to a total of 450 people.

He said places were filling up fast so those who wanted to take part shouldn’t leave their registration of interest too late.

To register, email thegreathedlandmudrun2015@gmail.com by 5pm, on Monday, August 31.