Viking Challenge Mud Run to debut in Fergus Falls

You could say it’s good, clean fun. But it’s really not. Good and fun, yes. Clean, no.

The Viking Challenge Mud Run is a brand new event that will put the fun in fundraising in Fergus Falls this September, thanks to the vision and hard work of the Ringdahl Family.

John and Enid Ringdahl, founders of Ringdahl Ambulance Service in Fergus Falls, would call this a family affair. Not just because families are encouraged to participate in the Viking Challenge, but because it’s about their family giving back. They’ve chosen three local causes to benefit from the event: The Children’s Cancer Research Fund, The Lake Region Healthcare Cancer Care and Research Center, and Dough 4 Joe.

The Ringdahl’s son, Tollef, was diagnosed with leukemia in 1986 when he was eight years old. At that time, it meant traveling to Minneapolis to the University Hospital for treatment. After six weeks in the hospital and 3 years of cancer treatments, Tollef has been cancer free ever since. “My family believes the efforts of the Minnesota-based Children’s Cancer Research Fund – the medications I was able to receive and the research they did regarding treatments for my leukemia – had a direct role in my survival,” Tollef said. “We owe a lot to them. Now we are fortunate to have a Cancer Center here in Fergus Falls that’s in a league of its own, offering world-class care right here at home. We want to support this awesome local resource.” The third cause, Dough 4 Joe, is a local group offering financial support to struggling families in the Fergus Falls area.They will be providing much of the manpower needed to build the Viking Challenge Mud Run Course.

The idea for the event came about when Ringdahl EMS was asked to provide medical standby for several mud runs in other states. After seeing how much fun it was, they believed it could be replicated in Fergus Falls. “We have the property, we have the manpower, and we have the drive to do this,” Tollef said. “People talk about how awesome Fergus Falls is when the MS Tram or similar groups come to town. Fergus Falls does shine. And we wanted this event to allow the community to shine for some great causes while having a lot of fun,” he added.

The Viking Challenge is an extreme wilderness 5K course that will take place on Saturday, September 15th at 21756 County Highway 22 near Fergus Falls. The event will also feature music, food, a bonfire and a great festival atmosphere. Anyone and everyone of all ages are welcome to participate with heats scheduled for men, women, co-ed and family teams. Registration and event details are available at www.thevikingchallenge.com.

“There’s really going to be something for everyone – participants and spectators – and all for some really great causes. We just hope everyone will come out and support the event and have a great time,” Tollef added.

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