Thrive Outside, a Bristol-based nonprofit organization whose mission is to provide children with the opportunity to form meaningful and joyful relationships with nature, is putting on its fifth annual “Thrive Outside in the Mud” race at Frerichs Farm (43 Kinnicutt Ave.) in Warren on Sunday, Sept. 17.

“We are on a mission to give every child the opportunity to thrive through a joyful relationship with nature. Believe it or not there are a lot of barriers to having this nature connection…Like screen time,” said Shannon Rozea, founding director of Thrive Outside. “On average, kids spend 44 hours a week on a screen.”

The mud race consists of a mile-long obstacle course set up by BoldrDash, filled with giant mud pits throughout which participants must crawl and run through in order to finish, obviously much muddier than when they begin.

Children above the age of 9 are allowed to run the course by themselves, while those under the age of 9 must be accompanied by an adult. All ages are welcome to participate, which Rozea said is part of the fun.

“I smile for weeks after,” she said. “It’s such a joyful, fun, unique event. You get kids, teenagers, parents, caregivers, grandparents, crawling through the mud. When can you ever get the chance to do something like that outside of an event like this?”

The event features food, music, and a joyful atmosphere, and Rozea thanked BoldrDash for their continued support, Frerichs Farm for hosting the race, as well as title sponsor Domina’s Agway of Portsmouth, and the Warren Fire Department Engine Co. 5 (Rough and Ready), whose volunteer firefighters and EMTs assist in hosing down participants after finishing.

“We’re super fortunate to have all these wonderful community members supporting us,” Rozea said.

Online registration closes at 6 p.m. on Saturday, Sept. 16, but in-person registration is available the day-of (for an increased fee). There is a $10 parking fee as well. Each participant will get an event medal. Those who registered before Aug. 30 will receive a t-shirt.

The first wave of runners will begin at 10:00 a.m., with the last wave taking off at 12:10 p.m.

If you feel inclined to donate to Thrive Outside and their mission, you can do so here.