Most couples will go out for a nice dinner or a movie to celebrate their anniversary. But, Tracy and Damion Trombley are not like most couples. Instead, the duo has opted for a more down-and-dirty option — running in the Romp in the Swamp’s wedding wave.
They will renew their vows in front of their friends and family with Linda Anders, a licensed officiator. Then, they will run through mud and obstacles. Tracy will be wearing a white formal gown from the thrift store; Damion will sport a button-up.
The run takes place Oct. 12 — their 11th anniversary. The Trombleys didn’t plan it that way, even though they had a hand in organizing the race, which will benefit the Greater Plant City Chamber of Commerce’s scholarship fund.
“It’s going to be something very entertaining,” Tracy said. “The obstacles in that wave are made just for us. We’re going to laugh our butts off.”
The Trombleys launched MudRunFun.com, a website dedicated to gathering and listing mud runs around the state. It started out as a simple blog and has since blossomed to include races in California, Texas and New England.
“We were initially doing it, because we love races and wanted our friends to get involved,” Tracy said.
The love for mud runs wasn’t always there. Like a marriage, they had to cultivate their hobby. It all started in 2011, when Tracy dragged Damion to a mud run. Damion, who likes air conditioning and relaxing, wasn’t thrilled.
But, when Damion saw a grown man panting at the finish line in a Gumby costume, he changed his mind.
“Just seeing people there in their costumes — it makes you feel like a kid again,” Damion said.
“We fell in love with it,” Tracy said. “It’s such a different event that we had never done. The vibe is just great.”
Since then, the couple has been running all over the state. Literally. They attend at least one race a weekend individually, sometimes two or three.
Although the couple is based in Palm Bay, the chamber didn’t have trouble finding MudRunFun and decided to work with the promoters on Romp in the Swamp. So far, about 100 people are registered for the wedding wave.
Anders never has officiated at a mud run but is looking forward to the experience.
“I have been interested in officiating at a mud run (because of) the fun atmosphere and the people who attend these events are always so positive and such a strong tight-knit group of people,” Anders said. “Whether you’ve ever met or not, everyone feels like family.”
The 5K obstacle run also benefits South Florida Baptist Hospital Foundation. Sponsored by Orthopaedic Medical Group of Tampa Bay, the race features 32 obstacles.
The first two races are for elite runners. The following heats are less competitive but still a fitness challenge. Participants may run, walk or jog the course as they see fit. These heats are for runners 14 years and older.
But, the kids aren’t left out. There will be two afternoon races for children ages 5 to 8 and 9 to 13.
Contact Amber Jurgensen at ajurgensen@plantcityobserver.com.
LOVE STORY
Tracy and Damion Trombley met when they were 19 years old on the Internet — back when chatrooms were hot.
After breakfast at Denny’s, the two were hooked. Tracy first noticed Damion’s humor.
“He’s always making me laugh,” Tracy said. “I can be ready to wrap my fingers around his neck, but he can still make me laugh. That’s something I’ve learned from him — not to get mad at every little thing.”
Like a lot of guys, Damion noticed Tracy’s beauty first.
“Well, she’s hot,” Damion said. “She puts me back on track. I’m a bit of a risk-taker; she likes to think things through. Basically, she takes care of me.”
The couple has two children, Damion, 4, and Jazmine, 10. Both of them also compete in mud runs.
ROMP IN THE SWAMP
WHEN: Oct. 12
WHERE: Lower Green Swamp Preserve, 5920 Bailey Road, Plant City
ONLINE: Visit rompintheswamp.org or mudrunfun.com.
CONTACT: (813) 757-1277