Last year’s teams made the most of their opportunity to get down and dirty. Leader file photos

Southwestern Michigan College is sponsoring the 2nd annual 8K Dirty Bird Mud Run Saturday on the Dowagiac campus and Roadrunner Trails. The race begins at 10 a.m.
Net proceeds will fund a scholarship for military veteran students at Southwestern Michigan College.
The Dirty Bird is a challenging 8K (five-mile) race combining military-style obstacles (eight to 10 obstacles), hilly terrain, mud and whatever bonus Michigan weather provides. Only three-, four- or five-person teams will compete in one of three divisions based on fitness and experience. Participants must be 16 years old or older on the day of the race. Waiver forms must be completed by all participants. Those younger than 18 must also provide a signed parental waiver form.
Registration cost per team is $75 (three-person team), $100 (four-person team) and $125 (five-person team). Participants can register and pay online by going to dirtybird.swmich.edu. There also will be registration on race day. Participants can purchase T-shirts on race day for $15. You don’t have to participate to buy a T-shirt.
Honor flags are available online for those who want to recognize a current or former military service member. The flags are printed with a personalized message.
Everyone is invited to attend an after party immediately following the Dirty Bird Mud Run at The Wounded Minnow Saloon in downtown Dowagiac on race day between noon and 4 p.m. An all-you-can-eat Mexican-style buffet will be served for $10. A portion of the proceeds will support the Southwestern Michigan College Military Veterans Scholarship. Directions to The Wounded Minnow are available online.
Runners of the Dirty Bird will sprint from the starting line and immediately face two major obstacles before advancing through the unforgiving hills of SMC’s storied cross-country trails, navigating the muddy Dirty Bird ravine, and finally facing another set of obstacles leading to the finish line. A map of the course can be viewed online.
All team members must reach an obstacle before it can be attempted; all team members must complete the obstacle before moving on to the next. Team effort is paramount for the final completion of this event. Awards will be given to the top team in each division.
Go to dirtybird.swmich.edu.
or email dirtybird@swmich.edu.