Get Healthy And Have Fun By Romping Through The Swamp

Runners at last year’s Swamp Romp try for an air of dignity while sloshing along the 3.5-mile course on Marine Corps Base Hawaii, where military and civilians form teams and absorb plenty of mud. Photo courtesy Marine Corps Community Service.

For the 20th year, the public is invited on base to get down and dirty at the Swamp Romp.

The “dirtiest race of the year” begins at 7 a.m. Feb. 8 at Boondocker Field on Marine Corps Base Hawaii, where runners will splash their way through the tunnels, sandy stretches and muddy waters of the Kaneohe base’s Nuupia ponds and Fort Hase beach. Assorted obstacles along the 3.5-mile route will test participants’ crawling and swimming skills, as well as running. Long pants are recommended, and costumes are encouraged. Race officials also advise that runners duct-tape their shoes around the ankles so they don’t get sucked into the

mud and lost — the shoes, that is.

Civilians and service-members may register as individuals or form teams of four to six people (age 10 and older). Fee is $140 per team or $40 per person, including T-shirts. Late fees are charged after 4 p.m. Jan. 31, and online registration closes at 4 p.m. Feb. 4. To sign up, call the Semper Fit race coordinator at 254-7590 or visit mcc-shawaii.com/swampromp.

Packet and timing chip pick-up will run from 3 to 6 p.m. Feb. 7 at Swamp Romp Health, Fitness & Wellness Expo at Semper Fit Center basketball court on base.

The Swamp Romp is one of several events held each year as part of the base commanding officer’s fitness series.

Managing Editor Terri Hefner

Regional Editor Carol Chang

Asst. Regional Editor Christina O’Connor

Account Executive Helen Chang / 529-4358

Retail Sales Director Darin Nakakura / 294-3550

Retail Sales Managers Brandon Yamashita / 294-3539 Sandi Sakaguchi / 342-8802

Editorial / 529-4850 Advertising / 529-4700