DENVER (June 9, 2016) – The Colorado-Wyoming Chapter, National Multiple Sclerosis (MS) Society announces that MuckFest MS Denver will be held in Parker, Colorado for the first time. On Saturday, July 16, 2016 more than 3,000 participants are expected to romp through a 5K course that features a gauntlet of muck-filled mazes, pits and craters and more than 15 gigantic steel obstacles at Salisbury North, 11920 Motsenbocker Road.
 
MuckFest MS supports people living with MS, a disease that affects the central nervous system by disrupting the flow of information within the brain and to the body, impacting mobility, cognition and many other functions. 100 percent of fundraising dollars support the National MS Society’s mission to stop MS in its tracks, restore what has been lost and end MS forever. Nationwide, more than 40,000 participants raised over $3 million in 2015 and since its inception in 2009, MuckFest MS participants have raised more than $22 million.
 
The elaborate course and festival area are constructed to ensure spectators get a great view of the muddy action. There’s no admission fee for spectators, so participants are encouraged to invite family and friends to enjoy the day. Even kids get their own mucky play area called Lil’ Muckers. After teams cross the finish line, they take their mud-soaked “after” photo, hose off, and celebrate their accomplishments with their complimentary Traveler beers and treats in the MuckFestival area. AbbVie is the national sponsor of MuckFest MS. The national MuckFestival sponsor is the Traveler Beer Company.

Parker resident Michael Pierce will be among the participants at MuckFest MS Denver this year. Pierce serves on the board of trustees of the Colorado-Wyoming Chapter and captains Denver, Houston and New Jersey MuckFest MS teams that have raised more than $48,000 in the past two years. His 200+ person Denver team, Muckin’ for Michael’s Mom, which he founded to show support for his mother who was diagnosed with MS six years ago at age 75, is one of the largest MuckFest MS teams in the nation.
 
“On the personal side, MuckFest MS has given me a real way to connect with my mom about her disease. I didn’t know much about MS when she was first diagnosed. By getting involved with this event and connecting to the Society, I’ve learned so much information that I can have meaningful conversations with my mom about her MS and help my dad in his new role as caregiver. 
 
“As for the event itself, I tell people that they will never have more fun doing good to help others. MuckFest MS is open to all abilities - you can just roll off the couch and into the mud,” Pierce said.  “MuckFest MS is built for laughs, but at the same time, when I see my team and so many others at the start line, it can be emotional. It really hits home how many people this disease affects. The dollars raised while everyone is having a good time bring us closer to ending MS forever,” Pierce added.
 
“MuckFest MS Denver allows us to raise awareness and attract new supporters to the MS movement, many of whom had little or no knowledge of MS before they signed up,” said Chapter President Carrie Nolan. “MuckFest MS is symbolic. As supporters overcome the obstacles out on the course, we are reminded of the obstacles people living with MS face daily and are inspired to keep moving forward to reach our ultimate goal of a world free of MS.”
 
Registration is now open at www.MuckFestMS.com.  For information about MS, Chapter programs and services, or volunteer opportunities, visit www.cureMSco-wy.org.