Photo Gallery: 5K Survival Race and Obstacle Course

Scores of athletes and fun seekers headed to Riverhead Saturday for a first-ever, family-style 5K survival race, obstacle course and mud run at the 4-H Camp on Sound Avenue that delivered some down and dirty good times.

Participants traversed hills and mud puddles during the event. Obstacles, said Cutchogue resident Susan Fisher Tyler, included walls to scale, tires to run through "boot camp style," and vertical wall and cargo net ladders.

Despite scraped knees and bruises, race participants were enthusiastic, some diving straight into mud pits.

Complimentary showers were welcome, Fisher Tyler said. And, after taking a look at their filthy footgear, some chose to just leave tired tennies behind. "There was a monster pile of sneakers in the middle of the tennis court," she said. "Anyone not wishing to attempt to clean their sneakers, they take, clean, and donate."

The mood was festive as racers enjoyed food and beverages from vendors including the Port Jeff Brewing Company, Monster Energy Drink, and others; music was provided by New Life Crisis.

Fisher Tyler, who has run 5K races in the past, said, "When I heard about this, it sounded like fun. It was very challenging. I wish I could have run a bit more than I did, but I did every obstacle the best I could and I finished, so I am proud of myself," she said.