Frank J. Buchman

Cowboy • Horseman • Writer

Osage County Charities Benefit From Cross Country Chaos

And, the winner is The Osage County Community Foundation.

That’s the simplest and most important wrap-up, but the fun times and mud for all are the lifetime memories that were actually climax of the third annual Cross Country Chaos.

CARGO NET-III-GOOD CROWD-2015“We had 213 people from throughout the Midwest registered for the 5K run in the mud on our farm Saturday as a special fundraiser for charitable organizations in the county,” explained Perry Thompson, who organized and hosted the third annual event at his Osage City farm.

“The concept of Cross Country Chaos came about while brainstorming ideas for raising money for charitable organizations. We wanted something that would be a fun challenge and give people a sense of accomplishment while giving back to those in need,” Thompson said.

“It basically gave participants, their friends and family a way to enjoy the challenge of the country terrain and then enjoy live music, family, and friends afterward with a drink in hand,” he critiqued.

Seventeen obstacles were included in the course, starting with Number 1: bridge out, high hurdles, terrible trenches, creek crossing, tires, trees, devilish diamond, fallen log, muddy bank, cargo net, hay pyramid, three-times-up-and-over, cool dip, shady creek, climb and slide, cow tipping and the climaxing mud pit to the finish line.

“It was a fun challenge of willpower, drive, and physical fitness that brought about a sense of achievement and camaraderie to cross the finish line. Everybody got dirty and muddy in the country, but got rewarded with a cold beer and cheers at the finish line,” Thompson verified.

Overall winner was James Martin, 33, Topeka, with 27.24 minutes. Close behind was Tavo Dikin, 24, Emporia, 28.13 minutes.

Rusty Sowers, 38, topped the female participates, with Carie Kibbe, 33, Burlingame, second.

“It turned out to be a beautiful day overall, and the natural made mud from recent rainfalls made for added challenge and excitement,” Thompson evaluated.

More than $2,000 was raised to benefit recent projects supported by the Osage County Community Foundation including school landscaping, a community sound system, and 4-H educational trips.

“We’re excited and anticipating making next year’s Cross Country Chaos bigger and better. Tentatively, it’ll again be the second Saturday of June,” Thompson said.

Information can be found at www.crosscountrychaos.com.

 

The Latest: