Mud on the Mountain offers runners a different challenge

For the last decade I have helped plan and stage the News and Sentinel Races. With these races the goal is to make sure the conditions are as perfect as they can possibly be to allow the races to complete the course as fast as they possible can.

This year I am also part of a team that is planning a different type of event. Called Mud on the Mountain, the challenge with this event is just finishing.

It’s a different type of event and it is a type of event that is growing in popularity around the nation.

Being staged at the Seven Springs Mountain Resort in Pennsylvania, the event will draw heavily on both the natural terrain of the Laurel Highlands as well as several man made obstacles that competitors will have to go up, over, under, through and down along the 7 mile course.

In many ways it’s the opposite of a road run.  For instance with a half marathon we sweep the roadway, twice, to make sure the running surface is free of any gravel. In the “Mud” event you will have to climb over rocks, some as big as Volkswagens. Oh yea, the mud. More than just part of the name, you will likely feel dirty when you finish the event May 12, not because of what you been thinking, but because of what you been through. We have a lot planned for event that is certain to make it one you will not soon forget.

Registration is open, register early and get in the heat that you want.

See you in the Mud on May 12 and on the streets of Parkersburg Aug. 18.