Local Mud Run Planned

Locals were invited to slip, splash and wallow in muck for Murrieta's first mud run.

The Murrieta Mud Run was scheduled for Sept. 10 at Town Square Park near the .

The course will take runners west on B Street and wind through Historic Downtown before making its way back to the starting point.

"We'll have three live bands, food, vendors and we are working on a kid zone," said organizer Steve Rawlings, an avid runner who ran countless 5Ks, 10Ks and mud runs.

Rawlings said he approached Councilman Alan Long about bringing the mud run to Murrieta, and the wheels started to turn.

"There really is not one in the Temecula-Murrieta area," Rawlings said. "These are great events that Murrieta needs more of."

Proceeds of the run will benefit co-promoter and organizer, Riverside Recovery Resources, a nonprofit drug and alcohol rehabilitation program that serves more than 1,000 recovering addicts a week in Southwest Riverside County.

The race is geared for all ages, but along the way racers will experience mud obstacles -- at times three feet deep. Be prepared to crawl through some parts, Rawlings said.

The race, described as a boot camp-style obstacle course, will take place in waves according to age and skill level.

One wave will be exclusively for teams of four of law enforcement, fire and military personnel. An additional wave will allow for other teams of four, and there will be a wave for teens.

Rawlings said they are also planning a fun run for families with children as young as 5 years old.

"There is a competitive aspect, and we are going to offer prizes, but it is also important to get the families out there. The kids will think their parents are so cool when they see mom and dad out there in the mud with them," he said.

Rawlings described the mud as more water-based.

So they may enjoy the rest of their day at the festival, participants should plan on bringing a changes of clothes.

Also, the will hose down racers with its equipment designed for responding to mass contamination. A changing tent will also be provided.

"We are paying the Murrieta Fire Department to be there and are providing them with the perfect setting," Rawlings.

The inaugural mud run will be the first of many, Rawlings predicts. He hopes to organize two per year, one in September and one in May.

"This is a good signature event for the city and it is raising money for a good cause," he said.

More than 500 racers have already signed on, which Rawlings said is a good indication. He expects that number to rise to 2,000 or 2,500.

"Anyone who is thinking about participating, just do it," he said.

To learn more about Murrieta Mud Run or to register, click here.