The Oneida Daily Dispatch (Oneida, NY)
‘DIRTY’ RETURN
Daniel Barden Mudfest back after two-year hiatus
DEANSBORO, N.Y. » After two years without a fullscale official event due to the pandemic, the Annual Daniel Barden Mudfest (DBM) with main sponsor Pepsico returns bigger and muddier than ever on Saturday, April 23 at the MKJ Farm.
Mudfest, officially dubbed “The Boilermaker’s Dirty Little Brother,” is a rough-and-tumble mud run obstacle course that offers something for everyone. For competitive obstacle course runners, there is a timed 5-mile run, or a timed 5K. For the less competitive runners who still want a muddy challenge, there is an untimed 5k. There is also a Kids’ Fun Run for ages 5 to 11, so runners can get the whole family involved.
Plus, hot showers are available to all after the run, meaning no messy cars on the drive home.
This year’s event will feature brand new obstacles, in addition to some returning favorites. Officials say each obstacle is uniquely designed and hand-built by the Mudfest masterminds to challenge runners in ways they never imagined.
After tromping through the mud to the finish, participants will find Central New York’s biggest barn party with food, drinks, and music. Vendors include Ray Bros BBQ and Mangia Macrina’s Wood Fired Pizza. Musical guests include Grit N Grace, Janet Batch and the Four-bangers, Alternate Universe, and more.
“It has been a long two years without being able to safely host Mudfest as we know and love it during the pandemic. We’re just so excited to return to that feeling of grit, spirit, and solidarity — all in memory of Daniel.” — Race Co-founder Dan Williams
“It has been a long two years without being able to safely host Mudfest as we know and love it during the pandemic,” said race Co-founder Dan Williams. “We’re just so excited to return to that feeling of grit, spirit, and solidarity — all in memory of Daniel.”
DBM honors the memory of Daniel Barden, one of the first-grade children killed in the Sandy Hook, Conn. mass shooting in December 2012. A niece of the organizers of the event was inside Sandy Hook Elementary School that day. She escaped physically unharmed, but her friend and neighbor, Daniel, did not.
Daniel was a kind and gentle child who touched the hearts of everyone he met.
Proceeds from DBM will benefit the Daniel Barden Adventure Scholarship, which selects students for an all-expenses-paid 10-day canoe and camping adventure through the Adirondacks in July in order to instill perseverance, teamwork, physical fitness, and mental wellness. Winners are chosen based on a series of essay questions they submit to apply.
As an added bonus, the winners get to designate a charity of their choice to equally fund with DBM proceeds.
For sponsorship opportunities, volunteer information, and to register for the event, visit www.bardenmudfest.org. Athletes may register for DBM online until midnight on April 20. They may also register the morning of the event, before race start times.