Maple Ski Ridge is transforming its slopes for a wild, muddy race through an array of obstacles for a good time and a good cause.
Ridge staff members and volunteers are working on completing the 5k Mud Run race course for Run The Ridge on Saturday, July 28, which will see runners facing obstacles of water, fire, climbs, crawls and a healthy portion of mud. A toned down 2k Family Mud Run will also be held to cater to kids, with an adult chaperone required for anyone younger than 12 years old. A portion of proceeds raised from the event will be donated to the Albany Vet Center.
Kate Michener, marketing and special events coordinator at Maple Ski Ridge, said the event is a good way to connect with the community and give back. The upcoming winter will mark the Ridge’s 50th year in business.
“We are trying to celebrate that by giving back a little more to the community,” Michener said.
Two area military members approached Maple about doing the run and have experience in other mud run races, she said. The two men have helped create the course design for the race and also spurred the idea to donate a portion of proceeds to the Albany Vet Center.
“He really enjoys the program and the services they offer to veterans and their families,” Michener said.
The response has already been strong with nearly 150 registered runners signed up. There are more than 90 participants for the 5k Mud Run and the 2k Family Mud Run also has a good start, with almost 30 children and 30 adults. Michener said she expects there to be a rush of registrations as the race nears.
“These types of runs are very popular,” she said. “A lot of people are liking this one is so close to the Capital District.
The website for race registration, www.runreg.com, allows for people to easily register for the race and also make an optional additional donation to the Vet Center. Michener said people have been “generous” in making additional gifts.
“We have had a lot of people make additional donations, so that just shows the generosity of the Capital District,” she said. “I’ve always found when there is a need people are very generous.”
Festivities will continue after the two races conclude, with a DJ playing music as food and beverages are served up. Some local beer will be tapped from BENsBREW along with some standard beer selections, too. There will also be a “kids zone” for families to enjoy the after party.
“We are attempting to make this an enjoyable event for people of all ages,” Michener said. “A lot of these Mud Runs just become this big crazy party, but Maple Ski Ridge is known to be a family place so we want to make it open for everybody.”
She said for fitness-minded people would probably enjoy testing themselves in a new and different way.
“Why not test yourself to run to see what you can do?” she asked. “I think everyone is going to be pleasantly surprised between the terrain we have and the features we have created. I don’t think there are going to be many disappointed people.”
At each of the main obstacles there will be Maple staff members with medical training to keep a watchful eye on competitors.
Details on most of the obstacles are being kept under wraps so as to surprise participants on race day, but Michener provided one hint.
“If you are really, really hot on that day, we are going to have something that will cool you off, she said.
For information on the race course and activities, visit www.runtheridge.net.
