Spark of Strength Ceremony
After our inaugural year in 2024, we observed that many participants wanted to take the mountain for a “test hike” on Friday evening. We also recognized that many arrived carrying heavy burdens and facing personal challenges. In response, we’re excited to introduce a new (OPTIONAL) event for 2025: the “Spark of Strength Ceremony.”
Join us for this meaningful ceremony, where our branding iron will be ignited to symbolize transformation. Participants can write down their current life challenges, share them if they choose, and then release them by burning them in the fire pit. This act of burning represents a chance to let go of past burdens and embrace new beginnings.
The Spark of Strength ceremony will be held at the summit of Mudlick Mountain on Friday, May 2nd. We will meet at 6:00 pm at the starting line (base of Mudlick Mountain Tower Road) and hike to the top. We’ll finish by 7:30 pm, giving you plenty of time to descend safely before dark. Attendance is free, and we’ll provide cold drinks at the summit. It’s also a great opportunity to connect with your fellow mountain lizards! There is no need to pre-register for this optional event, just show up!
This event is sponsored by FCC Behavioral Health
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZtqJXLYp0Z8
The Ozark's Mountain Challenge
We have partnered with the Missouri State Parks (Sam A. Baker Park), along with 2025 Platinum Sponsor Missouri Highlands Healthcare, to see who can hike 7,980’ elevation (The height of Mt. Olympus) right here in the beautiful Ozark region in Missouri. Each participant will have twelve hours to hike nine times up Mudlick Mountain. This vertical ascent is equal to hiking Mount Olympus in the state of Washington. Why did we choose Mt. Olympus as a benchmark? Although in Greek mythology Olympus meant “mountain” or “gathering place of the gods”, in modern times Olympus represents “a place or state of joy and happiness.” The total hiking distance is approximately 17 miles. Each hiker will be shuttled back down to the base after each successful ascent. The route is Mudlick Mountain Fire Tower Road (available on All Trails app), which is a chat road. This challenge is NOT a race. It is the external (physical) YOU versus the internal (mental) YOU. Other participants & race volunteers will be encouraging you along the way.
FAQ
General
What is included in the registration fee?
Registration includes all food (breakfast, lunch AND dinner)/beverage/alcohol at the event and after-party, all hydration/nutrition choices at the aid stations, recovery aids at our recovery tent, event swag, Spark of Strength Ceremony (optional, Friday evening) and becoming part of a special tribe of endurance athletes.
What is the itinerary of the event?
Check in from 6:30 a.m.-7 a.m. (or the night before at the CCC Lodge at Sam A. Baker State Park from 4pm-6pm) and staggered start at 7 a.m. Saturday morning. You will have 12 hours to complete the challenge. An after-party will immediately follow (7 p.m.-ish).
Want to volunteer at the Ozark’s Mountain Challenge?
Contact Steve Halter at shalter@pbchamber.org or 573-429-8361 (cell)
Can I have my pet with me during the event?
For safety reasons, pets will not be allowed on the trail with the hikers.
Do you allow spectators?
Yes, spectators are allowed near the starting area, to cheer on their friends/family.
Can I purchase an “after event party” meal and drink pass for my friend/family members?
You can purchase additional (YOUR ticket comes WITH the admission fee) meal/drink passes for $25 each.
How often will the shuttle’s run to take hikers back to the base?
We have had our engineers study the route and the volume of hikers and give a recommendation for the number & size of shuttles. We are going to minimize the amount of “down time” for hikers and ask that they use that time to re-fuel with liquids, snacks, go to the bathroom and visit our recovery tent. Average wait time in 2024 was less than 7 minutes
What is the Refund Policy?
No refunds
What is the minimum age requirement to participate?
The minimum age requirement is 16 years old. Any minor will need to be registered with an adult.
Do the funds raised go to a nonprofit or a particular cause?
Yes! The host (Poplar Bluff Chamber of Commerce) is a 501c3 nonprofit. Most of the funds go to the expenses of the event and marketing for next year’s OzMC. The rest of the funds go to help with our regional tourism efforts, SeeTheOzarks. Our mission is to raise awareness about all the wonderful points of interest in the Ozark Foothills.
Training
Do you include a training plan?
You will find training plan suggestions on our event page.
How long does one need to train for this challenge?
This varies, as everyone has a different beginning fitness level. This event requires a lot of physical and mental toughness, so please don’t take it lightly. Keep in mind, there is ABSOLUTLEY no shame in completing anything less than the 9-time ascent/17 mile/7,980’ (elevation change). We have different milestones for EACH time up the mountain and will celebrate your success, regardless of how many ascents you accomplish.
Accommodations are on your own, but we can assist with recommendations.
What is the Spark of Strength Ceremony? The Friday before the event, join us for the optional "Spark of Strength Ceremony", sponsored by FCC Behavioral Health. This ceremony addresses the personal challenges many participants face. Meet at the trailhead Friday at 6:00 PM for a meaningful experience where we’ll hike to the summit and ignite a branding iron to symbolize transformation. Participants can write down their challenges and release them by burning them in a fire pit, allowing for new beginnings. No cost & cold drinks provided.
THANK YOU SPONSORS!
Platinum (Mt. Olympus) sponsorship: Missouri Highlands Healthcare,Missouri State Parks (Sam A. Baker State Park), See the Ozarks,
Gold (Mt. Mitchell) sponsorship: Walmart Stores, Inc.
Hiland Dairy Foods
Recovery tent sponsorship: Poplar Bluff Regional Medical Center
Ozark Total Healthcare
Sunrise Home Care
Drink LMNT
Ozarks Coca-Cola Dr. Pepper Bottling Co.
Pepsi Mid America
Congo/Prime
Bucked Up Energy
That's It
After party sponsor: Wil Fischer Distributing: Michelob Ultra
Mudlick Mountain Maniac sponsorship: Otahki Lake Cabins & Campgrounds, Wally B’s Seafood & Steak, Kohlfeld Distributing, Stinson Press
Branding board sponsors: Colton's Steakhouse & Grill, Southeast Missouri Behavioral Health, Saint Francis Healthcare System. Cooling Towel Sponsor: Mossy Oak Properties Mozark Realty
Event's current local time: 11:10 PM CT
