Sign up for more mud and more pain for lots of gain!

Monica Alyea, of the Prince Edward County Memorial Hospital Foundation, participated in the recent media day event giving a test run of some of the obstacles.

There will be more mud, more pain, and participants will never be the same.

“The second annual Grapes of Wrath will push the participants even harder this year and test their strength and teamwork,” said Laura-Lee Hogan, manager of stewardship and events. “New obstacles for 2015 have been put into place, including some built by Quinte West fire fighters and are replicas of equipment they use in their gruelling entrapment and breach training exercises.”

The Canadian Cancer Society –HPE and Brighton Community Office, in a partnership with the Prince Edward County Memorial Hospital Foundation and the Trenton Memorial Hospital Foundation are presenting the second annual Grapes of Wrath Extreme Romp’n’Stomp mud run at Hillier Creek Estates Winery, 46 Stapleton Road, Hillier.

In 2014, the inaugural event saw 420 participants and 55 teams traverse over five kilometres of rugged terrain in a torrential downpour to conquer 14 obstacles while raising almost $80,000 for cancer care.

This year, after tremendously positive feedback from 2014’s competitors, the committee has increased the number of obstacles to 20 for the August 29 race.

“Not to give too much away, but if racers are looking to get down and dirty, there will be even more opportunities to ‘play’ in the mud,” said Hogan. “Last year one of the most memorable obstacles was a 14-foot wall which participants climbed up and over. This year, our friendly 14-foot wall has a new, even more exciting aspect. You will have to participate in the Grapes of Wrath run in order to find out what this obstacle has in store for this year. However, the Grapes of Wrath committee will give one hint…plug your nose before you land!”

The Grapes of Wrath committee is also encouraging area businesses to see the race as a team building exercise and opportunity for staff to come together while breaking down corporate barriers.

Hogan said the committee is thrilled to see many teams returning this year and to add to the excitement, friendly challenges are beginning to surface.

The vineyard manager for Hillier Creek Estates, Woody Cassell, is putting out a challenge to winery staff in the County and to other Grapes of Wrath participants that he intends to be the first runner to complete the course.

Cassell’s personal goal is to complete the course, be showered and back to work within one hour of starting the race.

Competitors must be 18 years or older on race day to be eligible to run. Racers will receive a dry-fit t-shirt and upon completion of the race, dog tags. More information and registration links can be found by visiting  www.cancer.ca/GrapesofWrathPEC or on Facebook, https://www.facebook.com/GrapesofWrathCountyRace or on Twitter @grapesofwrath15

Those interested in watching participants trudge through sludge to secure those coveted dog tags, volunteer openings are available.

There are a variety of jobs including registering participants, spotters at the obstacles, help with baggage check and water stations. E-mail Karen White at whitesway506@sympatico.ca to sign up.

“Working as a volunteer at last year’s Grapes of Wrath Extreme Survival Race was an exceptional experience,” said Barbara McConnell, of Milford. “I couldn’t help but be pulled into the elation participants felt as they actually crossed the finish line. What an accomplishment. They were so proud. And I was proud to be there as part of the volunteer team to welcome and help them.”

Registration is $100 per participant. The race is open to individuals or teams of two to 20.