Log obstacle with mudpit during the Mudslide at Holiday Valley
Everybody likes to get a little dirty every now and then. You know what it feels like to have dirt underneath your fingernails and mud dried on your arms and legs? If you don’t, then Holiday Valley has the perfect opportunity for you to try!
On June 15, Holiday Valley will host its 2nd annual Mudslide Obstacle Trail Run. It’s a race where runners traverse the Valley’s trails while going through eight unique obstacles before crossing the finish line. Prizes will be award to the top finishers - but hey, just finishing is all that counts!
With over 2,000 participants, the Mudslide hosts two separate races: a 3.5-mile run and a longer, more challenging 5.4-mile run. Starting at Spruce Lake, waves of 100 people will start at 10am and run through the beautiful (and sometimes very tricky-to-navigate) scenery. The finish line rests by the Training Center at the base of Yodeler.
Lori Rank, who participated last year, said the Mudslide is a ridiculous amount of fun.
“I did it last year and I’m signed up again for this year!” Rank said. “It was the best mud run I’ve ever done. Actually, it was the most fun out of all the runs I’ve ever done. The crew at Holiday Valley did an amazing job of setting up the obstacles - which were really, really cool - and it was so organized. I know the rest of the people I did it with had a blast as well.”
Don’t save all the fun for the big kids! The Valley also does a Kids’ MiniMudslide, which is a half-mile long and starts/finishes at the Training Center. It includes two obstacles and a mudslide. This will take place after the adult Mudslide is complete, and is only $5 to participate.
Youth Marketing Director Pat Morgan said the Mudslide was so well received in its first year, that the Valley had to do it again.
“Between the number of people we got to participate last year and the number of smiles I saw post-race, I knew that we had found a perennial success. This is a really unique event that draws people we wouldn’t normally see out. And making it family-oriented is such a big part of how we do things, and I think people were really receptive to that.”
MUDSTOCK
The night before the Mudslide, Holiday Valley will host Mudstock, where participants can take advantage of the pool complex and Cabana Bar. You can pick up your race packet right there or register (if there are still spots available) and meet some of the people you’ll be racing against.
“We’d like to thank our sponsors, The North Face (now in its 2nd year), Oakley, Towne BMW/Mini, Fleet Feet Sports Buffalo, and The City Garage,” Morgan said. “We couldn’t put this event on without their tremendous support.”
Prizes will be awarded to the fastest three males and females, while another prize will be awarded to the person with the most creative costume. (Yes, costumes are encouraged.)
A post-race party will be held on the deck outside of the Yodeler Lodge, where participants can enjoy hot dogs, beverages, tunes, games and are encouraged to bring friends and family to join in.
SPECIAL LODGING RATES
For those of you coming from out of town, Holiday Valley is offering lodging deals if you’re participating. Between The Inn, the Tamarack and the many rental condos, there are tons of places to accommodate you and your friends or family. Also, don’t forgot that right up Holiday Valley Road is the Sky High Adventure Park (which, if you haven’t done, you need to do so immediately).
Good luck to everyone participating in this year’s Mudslide! Get dirty!
