Airmen make USO Mud Run huge success Published June 9, 2010 375th Air Mobility Wing Public Affairs SCOTT AIR FORCE BASE, Ill. -- More than 1,000 runners navigated through 12 obstacles of mud, muck and hay as they competed in the 2nd Annual USO Mud Run held June 5 at Mid-America Airport, located adjacent to Scott Air Force Base. The 3.2-mile event drew in more than double the amount of participants from last year and is quickly becoming established as "The Mud Run" event of the year. Sara Colvin, USO of Missouri, Inc., special events coordinator, said the course was designed with the help of the Air Force--namely the 375th Civil Engineer Squadron. Staff Sgt. Kyle Troxell and Senior Airman Aaron Reedy were two of a five-person team who graded, backhoed and tilled the course. It took a week to create the mud pits that were at least 100 feet long and 20 feet wide. The day before the race, the two filled up a water truck and ensured the course met the "mudworthiness" of the race director and would-be participants. They returned after the run to smooth out the area. Sergeant Troxell said he volunteered to help with this project because of the great work the USO does for servicemembers worldwide. "I've deployed four times, and every time there were USOs there to support me." he said. "This is a great opportunity for me to give back." Of the more than 1,000 runners signed up, more than half were women. The individual male race winner was Zoc Freudenburg with a time of 18:23, and the overall female winner was Kathryn Whitney with a time of 24:55. All male, female and coed teams also competed, and results can be found on the USO of Missouri's Website. The mud run raised $20,000, which will be used for morale, welfare and recreation-type services to military members and their families. Ms. Colvin said she also wished to thank the staff at Mid-America Airport and more than 30 volunteers who helped ensure a smooth event. The USO of Missouri operates the James S. McDonnell USO, located at Lambert Airport, as well as two mobile USO outreach centers that travel to troops throughout Missouri and Illinois. The USO of Missouri and all outreach functions are governed by a board of directors and funded solely by donations.