June 7, 2012 Buzz: Outdoors News Shorts

Photo at right: Mud is so five minutes ago. Literally. Racers hit the human car wash in the Foamy 5k. Photo courtesy of Round House Racing.

The 5K Foam Fest is coming to Seattle, Spokane and Portland this year, a new twist on the traditional mud run.

“The predictable rhythm of 5k races can get a bit stale after awhile,” says Dave Ballard, founder and CEO of Round House Racing, the event organizer. “Why not take your love of racing and throw in some exciting obstacles to make the 5k fresh again?”

And obstacles there are. All participants will run through a giant human car wash, swing across a monkey rope, and crawl through mud. In case this doesn’t sound fun enough, picture participants in costumes and killer music. If you thought mud runs were fun, think of the possibilities of foam.

“The foam is like nothing you’ve ever experienced, says Brady Bowden, Operations Manager. “Imagine four of your best friends strapping you to the hood of a car and driving through a foamy car wash. It will blow your mind.”

The foam is mostly water and air, with less than 1 percent of bubble solution. It also doesn’t have the impact on parks the way mud runs do. Given success of past events, it looks like events like the 5K Foam Fest are only going to grow in popularity.

“We did three last year, and they were successful, so we have 12 planned for this summer,” says Julia Fullmer of Round House Racing. “Next year, we hope to have 35.”

The event will raise funds for Hope for Warriors, a charity dedicated to wounded U.S. service members, their families and families of the fallen.

www.5kfoamfest.com