Newest course coming to Windham Township in Portage County 
The Mudathlon Series, a 3-4 mile off-road running event featuring a lot of mud, more than 40 obstacles, and a sizable post-race party, is returning to its Valparaiso, Indiana, location for its 2nd year. The race will be on the Graeber Family Farm located just south of the intersection of 200W and 200S in Porter Township, on Saturday, July 23rd.
“The Mudathlon Series is thrilled to be bringing its ‘Mucking Good Time’ back to the Chicagoland / Northwest Indiana area,” said Jeff Graves, Mudathlon founder and president. “This site is in a great location for people from Chicago to South Bend to join in the adventure race revolution that’s sweeping the country.”
Mudathletes are guaranteed three things: mud, obstacles and beer – or, in other words, a race unlike any they’ve experienced before. Seeking as much natural and muddy terrain as possible, the course is enhanced with water taken from nearby streams, or, in some cases, the local fire department, to create the muddiest environment possible. On topof the mud-centric obstacles like the 100-yard long “Mucking Mud Pits” and “Muck and Slide,” participants encounter numerous other obstacles, including the “Cargo Cling and Climb,” “Heaping Hay Bales,” “Slippery Spools” and “Tunnel of Terror,” to name a few.
Click here for photos from the 2010 Mudathlon
The event is “country” themed, with farm props strategically placed throughout the course and country music playing at the finish line. Racers are encouraged to dress in costume based on the theme, and prizes will be awarded for best dressed. Following the race, a party with beer, food, and a live band awaits participants. “Once you add in the country theme, costume contest, crazy post-race activities, great food, beer, and a killer band, you have a can’t-miss event for people of all ages and abilities,” said Graves. Registrations for Mudathlon – Chicagoland / Northwest Indiana are now being accepted at www.Mudathlon.com. The cost is $75 per registrant and each entry includes:
- Race completion medal
- Mudathlete shirt
- Mudathlon bandana
- Commemorative glass Mudathlon beer mug
- One free beer for those over 21 (additional beers will be sold on site)
- Post-race feast
- A chip-timed result
This year, for the first time, teams can also register for the Mudathlon. There is no limit to the number of people per team, and all teammates will be able to participate together. Team awards will be given for best team name, best costumes, and lowest aggregate time of the top five members.
Participants will also be rewarded for referring their friends to register for the event. Every registrant an individual refers will result in a $5 rebate, up to the cost of the person’s original $75 registration fee. The Mudathlon series held two events in 2010 in Indianapolis and Chicagoland. Due to the popularity of the two previous events, Mudathlon is planning to host a total of four events in 2011. In addition to Chicagoland / Northwest Indiana, the series will also host events in Indianapolis, Cincinnati, and Northeast Ohio. Visit www.Mudathlon.com or www.Facebook.com/Mudathlon to learn more, register, and see pictures from past events.
Individual, corporate, and organizational sponsorship opportunities are available at a variety of levels, and volunteers are also needed. For more information on these opportunities, go to www.Mudathlon.com or contact Jeff Graves at (317) 294-3622 or Jeff@Mudathlon.com.