COLDWATER, MI. — On Saturday morning, May 30, more than 130 kids and parents tackled the 1.5-mile, 31-obstacle course at the Awesome Branch County (ABC) Challenge on the Branch County Fairgrounds.
Launched in 2017 by the Rotary-sponsored Coldwater High School Interact Club, the mud run is a fun fundraiser benefiting the community.
With seed money from Branch County Women Who Care, former Interact Advisor John Petzko explained that the event was created to mentor older high school students in mentoring younger kids through the course’s challenges.
Groups started every 15 minutes from 9:30 a.m. to 12:45 p.m., even accommodating a group with a Saturday morning softball game.
Current Interact Advisor Sarah Davis said 2025 was expected to be the final event due to challenges in organizing the complex course.
“The Branch County Fair Board stepped up and handled the toughest tasks this year,” Davis said.
The Fair Board managed heavy equipment work, including digging mud pits, placing donated culverts and hay bales, and setting up the popular rope swing—creating unique, fun obstacles.
Coldwater Fire crews transform the course into a “muddy mess,” using hoses and hydrants to soak obstacles as part of their training.
Participants included kids from Jonesville, Indiana, and Branch County schools.
Sunrise Rotary members and fair staff managed registration.
At the finish, participants received water, a medal, and a downloadable photo on the ABC Challenge website.
Many return each year, often adding new participants as families grow.
One group of over a dozen, all cousins from the Everline, Smith, and Hemker families, posed together—a family tradition each year.
Parents and family members join in the fun, cheering, recording videos, and staying just clear of the mud and water.
Although registration was slightly lower this year—about 130 runners—Davis sees the ABC Challenge as a unique blend of fundraiser, fitness event, and mentorship, uniting high schoolers and young kids on the same muddy course.
Petzko said this year’s ABC Challenge competition came from graduation Sunday, the state track meet, and the softball and baseball playoffs.
Davis said proceeds are reinvested in youth-focused projects.
The club offers mini-grants, supports local programs, and aids participating school districts.
Proceeds fund Interact scholarships—this year, three seniors received $500 each.
Primary sponsors include the Coldwater Noon Club, Coldwater Sunrise Rotary Club, andAmphitheater sponsor Clemens Food Group.
Course sponsors included the Branch County Sheriff’s Association, Coldwater Board of Public Utilities, Southern Michigan Bank & Trust, Century Bank and Trust, and other community supporters.
Saturday afternoon, volunteers began filling in pits and storing obstacles until next year’s event.
Contact Don Reid, dReid@USATodayCo.Com
This article originally appeared on Coldwater Daily Reporter: There was muddy fun at Saturday’s ABC Challenge at the fairgrounds
Reporting by Don Reid, Coldwater Daily Reporter / Coldwater Daily Reporter
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