Reporter takes on Indian Mud Run course
COSHOCTON – With the always popular Indian Mud Run coming up within the next week, I decided that I would take to the course with race coordinator Hubie Cushman and see what it has to offer. After about a two and a half hour sequence of walking trails, sliding down hills, climbing rocks, and maneuvering myself around numerous obstacles, I think it’s safe to say that competitors this year will have more than their fill of both excitement and exhaustion. Overall, the course this year is set to be one of the best that the Indian Mud Run has ever had. In terms of the trails, they are quite clear and should be fairly simple for runners to easily navigate from obstacle to obstacle.
As most people know, the main attraction to the Indian Mud Run is, and always has been, the unique and challenging obstacles designed to test runner’s physical and mental strength throughout the race. This year will feature more than 40 different types of obstacles ranging from the classic cargo net and rock climbing wall, to scaling walls and climbing up and down steep ravines that will truly test a runner’s strength and endurance. According to Cushman, this year will feature many new obstacles designed to offer more of a challenge for seasoned professionals that are looking to further test themselves.
“We have three new obstacles this year, two of which are from the 2015 Obstacle Course World Championships and one that I have created called the Wall Hanger” said Cushman.
With a balanced mix of smooth trails and an increased number of obstacles, the course will place runners on an even playing field in terms of their strengths and weaknesses. By requiring runners to have both endurance for running and upper body strength to will them through the taxing obstacles, this year’s course will challenge runners more than ever.
This race, which has raised more than $50,000 for Lake Park within the last four years, is expected to have its biggest turnout since its start in 2012, with people traveling from more than 20 different states.
Cushman also expressed his excitement for the unique awards that runners can receive in this year’s race.
“This year we are giving awards to the top 3 overall male and female finishers along with the top three in each five year age group. The awards this year are authentic American made Indian tomahawks which I’m very excited about,” said Cushman.
The Indian Mud Run is set to take place on Saturday, June 25, at the Lake Park Complex and registration is required. If you would like to register for the race, visit www.indianmudrun.com or you can also register the day of the race as well. If you have any questions or concerns, feel free to contact race coordinator Hubie Cushman at 740-502-5013.
Editor’s note: This article was written by Beacon Intern Andrew Everhart.
Category: People & Places