RESOURCES FOR RACE DIRECTORS

Big Sur’s Mud Run Sells Out Six Weeks Early  

Big Sur Mud Run’s early sellout emphasizes a trend toward greater interest in offbeat running events;

Big Sur’s race has distinct military flavor.  

Mud runs are bubbling up across the nation offering running enthusiasts a competitive yet fun venue for the sport.  The events’ popularity is seen in a significant rise in mud runs over the past two years and an earlier than expected sellout of the increasingly popular Big Sur Mud Run.

                Two thousand runners competing in individual and team slots will take part in the fifth annual Big Sur Mud Run on Saturday, March 27 beginning at 9 a.m.  Presented by the Big Sur International Marathon in conjunction with Morale, Welfare and Recreation - Presidio of Monterey and Cal State University Monterey Bay, the Mud Run offers a fun workout that includes four mud pits, obstacles, military drills and dirty fun.  The five mile moderately hilly trail and road course is held on Cal State University property on the former Fort Ord military base, and completes with a finish lap in Cal State University’s Freeman Stadium.

                While some mud runs involve bicycle legs and others longer running courses, Big Sur’s Mud Run is one of the few that offer a strong military flavor.  The nearby Presidio of Monterey provides soldiers from the 229^th Military Intelligence Battalion and the Marine Detachment to ensure that the mud run ‘recruits’ complete the required push ups, climbing and military style drills necessary to earn their stripes…and finisher’s medal.

                “We try and make our race stand out by continuing to add fun features,” said race director Wally Kastner, a former Marine Lieutenant Colonel himself.  “Having the military involved is a huge draw for our event.”

                The team competition has proven a popular way to race.  Team members competing in one of eight categories – corporate, military, high school, collegiate, public safety, open male, open female and mixed – can run independently, but must cross the finish line together with linked arms.  Eleven hundred runners will compete in Big Sur’s team competition sporting such names as Washable Wenches, Earth-bound, The Mudsketeers, Mudslingers and For the Love of Mud.  An additional 900 individuals make up the 2000 person field.

                Starting as a small 300 participant race only five years ago, the field of competitors in the 2010 Big Sur Mud Run hail from 13 states plus Canada.  Fifty-three percent of the registrants are female, and ages range from15 to 79.

                Spectators are encouraged to watch the race, with great viewing spots just outside Freeman Stadium and along Intergarrison Road and 8^th Avenue, which are accessible on foot or by bicycle.  A small expo area with food and merchandise for sale will be held inside Freeman Stadium.  The event is free to spectators.

                For more information, visit www.bigsurmudrun.org or call 831-625-6226.