Once again, the Mudder Fathers team–a group of self-dubbed “Wilton Warrior men making it happen”–are taking part in the Tough Mudder New England Mud Run and Obstacle Race. They are participating to support Disabled American Veterans (DAV), to raise awareness and donations with what team members say is their single purpose:  “empowering veterans to lead high-quality lives with respect and dignity.”

This year’s event is this Saturday, June 24, and the Mudder Fathers will be toughing it out over 12 miles and 20 obstacles at Mount Snow in Vermont’s Green Mountains. With elevation changes and scenic trails through some of Vermont’s most beautiful woodlands, these Wilton friends and workout buddies are looking forward to getting dirty, pushing themselves to extremes and having fun while raising money for a good cause.

The team members are Chris Hulse, Asterios Satrazemis, Kevin McDonald, Brian Fitzgerald, David Pattillo, Rob Pattillo, Andy Snow, Vinny DiLullo, David Silvia, Robert Haines and Brennan Gildersleeve.

They originally bonded years ago as a local running club called the Cranberry Crew, meeting up on weekend mornings runs through Wilton to stay in shape and doing 5Ks, 10Ks and half marathons together. They eventually wanted more of a challenge, and began taking part in the Tough Mudder, participating in the annual event together in various incarnations for the last several years.

“We love doing this as a team and we stay together as a team the entire 12 miles,” says Hulse. “We picked the DAV for a few reasons and have met with them directly at their office in Washington, D.C.–97% of donations go directly to the disabled American veteran.”

Last year the team raised $50,000 for the cause; for the 2017 event they hope to surpass that and reach $60,000. This is the second year that they’re being partnered in dollar-for-dollar donations by BlueLine Rental, the company for which Satrazemis is chief executive officer and Hulse is chief digital officer.As of press time last night, they were at $56,500, again with BlueLine Rental matching every dollar raised.

Hulse and Satrazemis are completely devoted to the cause–in addition to last year’s Mt. Snow event, the two friends also did Tough Mudders in Chicago and Dallas; they’ll participate in one more later this year in Houston.

They hope that fellow Wilton residents will be inspired by their dedication and help support the Mudder Fathers’ efforts. Anyone interested in donating can do so online.