What is the Mad Mountain Mud Run?
A Mud Run is a race with the objective to conquer obstacles while gettng muddy! These races have become very popular throughout the world, and we are proud to be hosting the 1st Mud Run in WNC. Our objectives are clear (unlike mud): create a fun and challenging event to draw mud-loving, extreme sports enthusiasts into our area with proceeds to benefit Hendersonville’s children’s museum. We will market this event with a targeted reach of 1.5 million with a combined effort of print materials focused on areas within a 2 hour radius of Hendersonville, NC, and worldwide with the benefits of social media. In addition, based upon the success of other similar events throughout the country, we expect thousands of attendees and participants.
THE FESTIVAL
Family members, friends and other people not interested in competing in the race challenge are invited to the site for the day to cheer on their muddy loved ones, and enjoy a festival atmosphere with food, beverages, and live music. The Festival opens at 11:30 am and closes at 7pm.
THE PROCEEDS
All proceeds from this event will benefit Hands On!-A Child’s Gallery, a non-profit children’s experiential learning museum located on Main Street in Hendersonville, NC. The mission of Hands On! is to serve the needs of children and families by providing educational exhibits that stimulate the imagination and motivate learning in a fun, safe “hands on” environment. This is a regional organization in Western North Carolina, and an anchor presence in downtown Hendersonville. Thousands of WNC and upstate SC children are served annually, including many underserved and underprivileged children.
WILL THERE BE PARKING AVAILABLE?
YES – at no additional cost to you. The details about where to park will be emailed to you with your race e-packet sometime mid-May, but please plan to carpool!!
IS THERE A CUT-OFF DATE FOR REGISTRATION?
YES – We are accepting a limited number of participants, and when we are full, registration is closed – we just aren’t sure of that date, so register early. A few things to note: you must register before May 15 to be guaranteed a t-shirt and regardless of the number of registrants, we will be cutting off registrations the week before the event. We will not have registrations at the event.
HOW DO I GET TO THE MUD RUN?
Our event will be located in the beautiful mountains of Hendersonville, NC in the Berkeley Area and detailed instructions will be emailed to race participants with your race packets. Click here to get directions to Berkley Park from Google Maps.
WHAT DO I NEED TO WEAR?
We recommend you wear old comfy clothes that will help protect you from cuts & bruises (long pants or running tights a great choice). We suggest you stay away from thick cotton materials that will absorb water and add weight to a difficult run (like cotton socks or sweatpants). Wear shoes with lots of traction to get you through the mud. Keep in mind that the most creative team costume will receive a prize, so go check out your local thrift stores.
WHAT SHOULD I NOT WEAR?
Everything will get filthy, and possibly torn or lost, so nothing valuable should be on your body – no rings, earrings or jewelry of any kind – or anything else you really care about! Goggles or glasses are not recommended. AND, do you wear contacts?? What are you going to do if mud gets in your eyes? Either bring a backup pair or go without.
WHAT SHOULD I BRING WITH ME TO THIS EVENT?
- Cash for fun things we have for sale and food & beverages after you race – we will not be accepting credit cards!
- Your identification if you want to have a beer – DO NOT FORGET THIS.
- 1 Trash Bag – Either for your filthy clothes and shoes or to sit on in your car if you don’t want to change
- 1 Towel
- A change of clothes & shoes
- A backpack or bag to keep your items in while you are racing – we will have a bag check-in/out area
WHAT TIME DOES THE EVENT START?
You will receive a confirmation email for your specific start time a few weeks before the event via email. Individuals participating can expect to begin between 12 and 1:15 pm. Team participants can expect to begin between 1:15 and 4:30. Plan to be with us for the day to enjoy all the festivities! Check-in will begin at 11am, with the first individual heat beginning at noon. The event will take place until 7pm.
WHAT IS THE MINIMUM AGE TO PARTICIPATE?
The minimum age is 12, with permission from a legal guardian. Anyone who is 12 years old or older by the day of the event can participate. Participants under the age of 18 must have adult check-in and sign waiver.
DO I HAVE TO SIGN A WAIVER?
Yes. Please understand our course is challenging and the mud is thick. You should not participate if you have concerns. You must complete a waiver to participate. If you did not complete during your on-line registration, print a copy and bring it with you. Click here to download the waiver (pdf).
WHEN SHOULD I ARRIVE?
You should arrive a minimum of one hour before your heat begins to check in. Your number will be assigned, your id will be checked, you will receive a wristband if you are 21 or older and an awesome t-shirt if you registered in-time. You can then check your personal items at the bag check area.
WILL THERE BE ACTIVITIES FOR KIDS AND SPECTATORS?
Absolutely! We will have a fun festival in full swing all day… food, beverages (including craft beer), live music and muddy games. Music will start around 12:30 with The Lonesome Road Band until 3:00. Then, join The Stipe Brothers from 4:00 – 7:00.
WHAT IS THE COURSE LIKE?
Our course will be unique, as all mud run courses are different. Ours will be about 3.5 miles long, with mile markers along the course to help you pace yourself. We are designing the course, so the furthest you will run is about .75 miles during the first part of the race in order to avoid congestion. Other than that there will not be more than about a quarter of a mile between obstacles. You may download the course map or training tips to help you get more prepared.
WILL THERE BE WATER STATIONS ALONG THE COURSE?
Yes, there will be two water stations.
WHAT IF I CAN’T COMPLETE AN OBSTACLE?
No problem….there will be race officials at each obstacle. If you are unable to complete an obstacle, you will tell the race official, who will stop you from racing for a “penalty” period of time or give you a back-up option. Race officials will determine if an obstacle is completed in the correct manner.
HOW DO I LEARN MORE ABOUT VOLUNTEERING?
We are always looking for Dirty volunteers, and we need a lot of them! Just send us an email to beth@handsonwnc.org or call Beth at 697-8333.
WILL PHOTOS FROM THE RACE BE POSTED ONLINE?
Yes. We have a photographer that will be taking shots and they will be posted online and available for purchase within 7 days of the event. More details will be provided to you in your e-race packet, which you will receive before the event via email.
ARE THERE PRIZES & AN AWARDS CEREMONY?
There will be an awards ceremony for our Mud-tastically wacky categories: most creative team costume and best team name. We also look forward to awarding the Dirty Business Trophy to the fastest Henderson County, NC business team. The awards ceremony will take place after the final heats have finished around 6:00. The fastest team members and male & female individuals will receive prizes in the mail.
CAN I BRING MY OWN FOOD OR ALCOHOL?
You are not allowed to bring your own food or alcohol on-site.
WHAT IF I GET SICK OR INJURED?
There will be paramedics and/or EMS personnel at the event.
WILL THE RESULTS BE POSTED ON-LINE?
Yes. Results will be posted on the Mad Mountain Mud Run website within 48 hours of the event’s end.
HOW WILL MY FINISHING TIME BE RECORDED?
A professional chip timing company will take care of recording your time and will email you the results within 48 hours of the race being completed.
WILL THE EVENT BE CANCELLED IF BAD WEATHER?
The event will proceed unless under extremely bad weather conditions. Please make sure we have a current phone number and email in case of cancellation. Registration fees will not be refunded if the event is cancelled.
DO I HAVE TO KNOW HOW TO SWIM TO PARTICIPATE?
No, there are no areas where swimming is required. All mud pits will be less than 4 feet deep.
DO PARTICIPANTS GET FREE BEER?
Yes, participants 21 and older will receive one free beer upon completion. You must have your id to receive a wristband (will receive at packet pick-up) on, and you must show ID. No ID and wristband, NO BEER… One water or soda will be available for those that would rather receive non-alcoholic beverages with their entry.
IS THERE A TIME LIMIT?
Yes. There is a 3 hour time limit. Don’t worry – even walking, the course can easily be completed in this timeframe.
HOW DO YOU TRAIN FOR A MUD RUN?
We suggest a program that will incorporate core strength, cardio endurance and upper body strength. Our presenting sponsor, Park Ridge Health, offers some great fitness class opportunities… check them out.
WHAT IF I REGISTER AND THEN CANNOT MAKE IT THE DAY OF THE EVENT?
Your registration fee and donations are non-refundable and non-transferable.
HOW DO I GET CLEAN FROM THE MUD?
There will not be a GREAT way to get clean, but that’s part of the fun! We will have an outdoor shower area where you can rinse the major gunk. Changing tents will be on-site. Be sure to bring towels and a change of clothes.
WHAT IS INCLUDED IN THE ENTRY FEE?
In addition to participation in the event itself, you get an official Mud Run T-shirt if you register before May 15, you can enjoy a beer or beverage on us, parking is free, you’ll enjoy one of the best times of your life – and the music will get you rockin’, too!
