Friends of Philipstown Rec host April 1 fundraising adventure trail run    

By Alison Rooney

The Friends of Philipstown Rec are up to it again.  After the great success of their inaugural Castle to River Run in October, they have now created a different type of race, the Spring Splatt 5K Mudder and Mini-Mudder, which are adventure trail runs and obstacle courses featuring scenic views of the Hudson River as well as natural and man-made obstacles. The Mudder will take place on April 1, with the Mudder beginning at noon, and the Mini-Mudder at 1:30 p.m.

As with the Castle to River Run, the Mudder is a benefit raising funds for the planned Park Pavilion, to be located in Philipstown Park.  According to Rec’s Amber Stickle, the Mudder will be “not only just a race, but a big celebration — Polhemus is digging out a big mud pit, Jeff Dain is designing the slip and slide, and there’ll be food all day and a DJ, maybe even a band.  You don’t have to be racing to come down and enjoy the fun.” Stickle mentioned that “apparently obstacle races are the new thing.  Kids have responded hugely – a whole mix of ages.  We have 12 different obstacles and each one has a sponsor.”

Still a little in the dark about what a “Mudder” is?  Here’s Rec’s description of their event:

Be prepared to get VERY muddy as you race up slippery slopes, leap over logs and rock walls on the historic Benedict Arnold trail, scale an 8-foot high wall, negotiate the “tires of torture,” crawl through a mud pit, swish through the saw dust pile and slide to the finish line on a giant slip and slide.

Future Philipstown Park Pavilion

A kids’ mini-Mudder, for children ages 5 through 15, is approximately one mile, with kid-sized obstacles (4-foot high wall, etc.) and finishes with the soapy slip and slide — all on the grounds of the Community Center. Children ages 5-6 must have a parent or guardian run the course/race with them and children ages 7-12 must have a parent or guardian on the premises of the Rec Center at all times. The courses will be well marked with flags and live volunteers. Make sure you bring a change of clothes! This event will be difficult, dirty and somewhat dangerous!”

A waver of liability must be signed by all participants (and guardians) on day of race prior to participation; please bring appropriate identification. There will be prizes for winners, best costume and most acrobatic finish. A free t-shirt goes to the first 100 paid registrants. Registrations, subject to space availability, will be taken on the day as well.

Admission is: $15 in advance, $20 the day of for the Mini-Mudder Participation is: $50/advance, $60 day of for adults; and $35/advance, $45 day of for students ages 16 to 21. For more details and to register, visit the Rec website or call Rec at 845-424-4618.

Behind The Story

Type: News

News: Based on facts, either observed and verified directly by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources.

Rooney has been writing for The Current since its founding in 2010. A playwright, she has lived in Cold Spring since 1999. She is a graduate of Binghamton University, where she majored in history. Location: Cold Spring. Languages: English. Area of Expertise: Arts