First Posted: 7/26/2013

The first annual R3 Ops mud run took place in Pittston Twp. at the Northeast Fairgrounds with over 550 participants challenging the hills, obstacles, and of course, mud, according to run organizer, Nicole Farber.

One of the chosen benefactors of the run was Stephanie Jallen, the 17-year-old from Harding. Jallen is a member of the U.S. Paralympic Ski Team and will represent the United States in the upcoming Paralympic Games in Sochi, Russia in March, a few weeks following the Olympic Games to also be held in Sochi. The Paralympic skiers will be using the same venues as the Olympic athletes.

Approximately $1,600 was raised on Jallen’s behalf with $1,000 of that coming from Chris Hackett, Dallas, who donated his first prize earnings from the Extreme Challenge division.

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“I thought the mud run was a great success and I had a blast going through the obstacles,” said Jallen, who competed the course side-by-side with fellow athletes. “I am very thankful to be a recipient of the event. I really hope they do this next year because I know a lot of people, including myself, that loved it.”

“Stephanie is an inspiration to all,” said Farber. “I was pleased to name her as well as the Pittston Twp. Fire Dept. as benefactors of the first annual event. The conditions were very difficult with the extreme heat and I proud of all those that competed. I’m looking forward to next year’s event.”

If you would like to donate to Stephanie in helping her reach her dream of getting a Gold Medal in Russia, visit her website at www.stephaniejallen.org to donate.

“We are so appreciative to Nicole and her whole team in what they have done for Stephanie,” said Jallen’s mom, Deb. “Unfortunately, the fund raising must continue of we’re going to get Stephanie to reach her goal in getting to Sochi.”