MADISON- – It’s dirty. It’s challenging. It’s for everyone. The seventh annual Mustang Mud Run is scheduled for Saturday, April 13 where participants age 12 and older will face 20-plus obstacles within a 5K (3.1 miles) distance on the campus of Madison Academy located on Slaughter Road. The obstacle course is situated along and through Indian Creek and the adjacent wooded areas.

Some of the obstacles each participant will face include Tarzan Twist, Jump The Fence, Big Dipper, Road Kill, Log Run, Muddy Whopper, Tangler and Swamp Sludge, just to name a few awaiting the onslaught of challengers. This year, race organizers have installed two new obstacles named “Pike’s Peak” and “Mine Shaft.” Participants many times don’t know what’s next in the course when it comes to obstacles. Organizers stress the fact the race is held rain or shine and offer tips for those who look to the fun-filled event: you must cross a creek, but do not have to be able to swim, medical staff on site, not a timed event.

“Last year we had over 800 participants from five different states and many of those who participated did so within teams,” said Terri Speir, Mud Run race director. “We had teams representing a wide-range of areas such as JROTC teams, church groups, crossfit enthusiasts, corporate teams and tons of families and friends battle their way through our muddiest year on record.”

Groups and teams are a big part of the event and are welcome and group discounts are offered. Groups of 8-plus can register as a team for only $50 per teammate.

Proceeds from the event help to bring upgrades to the classrooms and overall facilities at Madison Academy to help enhance the Christian based learning environment. Plus, a portion of the proceeds go to benefit the First Stop homeless ministry.

“At Madison Academy, we are creating a life-changing experience for our students and school community as we create impactful experiences to allow the heart, soul and body to flourish,” said Speir. “Our commitment to academic accomplishment is reflected in the test scores as our college-bound students average 25.1 on the ACT on a five-year average.”

The family-friendly Mud Run includes the “Lil’ Muddy 1K” for kids ages seven and up. Participants in the adult Mud Run and who have youngsters taking part in the 1K event are encouraged to run alongside their children in the 1K. The race will have a lead staff runner to show the participating kids where to go in their fun-filled jaunt in the mud. Safety personnel are stationed throughout the courses of both events.

Elite and JROTC heats begin at 8:45 a.m. with regular heats beginning at 9:00 a.m. and last through 11:00 a.m. In 2023, 850 race participants took to the course. Organizers encourage early registration by visiting the race website of www.mustangmudrun.com. Fees for the races are $55 for an individual in the Mud Run and $25 in the Lil Mud event. A family of four or more receive a $5 discount for each family member. A team of eight or more are charged $50 per person. Parking at the school is $5 per vehicle.

• FREE T-SHIRT
• All finishers receive a one of a kind Mustang Mud Run Medal!
• Please bring a valid state-issued ID
• On-site Parking: $5 (please bring cash)
• Bag Check-in: Will be available at no charge
• Packet Pickup: April 12 at Madison Academy School,
  11:00 a.m. – 4:00p.m.
• Packet Pickup day of Event: Available at Registration area

“Participants can expect to slip, slide, climb, jump, slog and swing their way to a fun finish,” added Speir.

Sponsors include Redstone Federal Credit Union, Alabama Pediatric Dental Associates, Wiley Insurance Agency and Burn Boot Camp.

“One more important piece of advice is to bring a Q-tip, mud will get everywhere,” added Speir.