Mud conditions optimal for Saturday’s run
Regardless of whether you do the full course or the one-mile kids run, come prepared to get dirty at the Mississippi Mud Run Saturday, Sept. 16, on St. Feriole Island.
By Correne Martin
The mud conditions for this year’s Mississippi Mud Run are optimal, according to organizers, and Prairie du Chien’s four-mile, backwater obstacle course is nearly ready for the hundreds who will meet up to challenge themselves Saturday, Sept. 16, on St. Feriole Island.
“The river conditions are great,” said coordinator Lorie Floyd Tuesday. “The water’s going down fast, so [I’ll wait to] rope it off until I know the exact conditions. The last few years, there’s been a lot of water, but this year’s mud is going to be just perfect.”
Competitors and leisurely participants are reminded to “be prepared to get dirty.”
Race day registration will open at 7 a.m. The one-mile kids’ race will start at 8:30 a.m. Parents are asked that only one family representative race per child to make maneuverability greater for everyone. The full course will start at 9:30 a.m.
Floyd said there’s a couple of new obstacles featured in this year’s run, along with some old favorites making a return appearance.
Mud Run participants will be in and out of Mississippi River mud, through at least one memorable backwater slough, over and under brush, trees, and logs, and through the floodplain trail. Manmade obstacles will include logs, large tires, rope, round bales, concrete culverts, flatbed trailer(s) and salvaged vehicles. The event offers a challenge to warrior folk and tough guys and gals looking to put themselves to the test or beat their friends to the finish. It’s also completely cool if you’re not so much into the competition and just want to have some fun at a more relaxed pace. Teams and costumes are encouraged and, Floyd said, they’re sure to be prolific.
The inmate work crew from the Prairie du Chien Correctional Institution has been on site this week readying the river valley terrain and various natural and manmade obstacles. Otherwise, mainly Lorie and two others have worked to arrange the course.
To register, glance at a course map or find the run’s frequently asked questions list, visit mississippimudrun.org.
Awards and prizes will be presented at the baseball field concession stand/Mud Run headquarters after the last runner crosses the finish line. Cash prizes will be awarded to the first and second place overall for both male and female divisions. Prizes will also be given for best team name, best team costume and best individual costume. Medals will be awarded for first and second place for all age divisions.
This is the seventh year of the Mississippi Mud Run, which has previously been a fundraiser for the Prairie du Chien Skate Park. However, since that facility was completed this spring, proceeds from the 2017 mud run will go toward Prairie du Chien High School FFA and volleyball programs as well as Prairie du Chien Parks and Recreation youth programs.
