On the shooting range at Hidden Valley Nature Center.
Join Midcoast Conservancy and Teens To Trails for the Midcoast Mudathlon on Sunday, April 15 at Hidden Valley Nature Center, 131 Egypt Road, Jefferson. This fun-first event will include trail running and air rifle target shooting; all participants will receive a safety training on the rifles before they race. Members of Trail Monster Running will be on hand to participate and support new trail-running enthusiasts.
Race categories will include family (parents and any number of kids), youth, high school, novice, intermediate, and advanced. The trail loop is approximately three-quarters of a mile long; racers will alternate shooting and running. The family and novice courses will involve two shooting rounds and one trail loop; the rest will entail at least four running loops and two times at the target range.
One should be prepared for muddy, sloppy trails — but that’s part of the fun! Teams are an option, and creative costumes are encouraged; the best ones will receive awards at the post-race ceremony.
Spectators are welcome. Pre-race trainings will begin at 8:30 a.m.; racing will start at 9 a.m. After racing concludes, there will be vegetarian chili, hot chocolate, and cider for participants and the cheering crowds. Midcoast Conservancy will have its fat-tire bike fleet at the nature center as well, for anyone who would like to take one for a spin on the trails. Bring a helmet or borrow one from the Midcoast Conservancy community hub gear collection.
Race fees are $25 for adults, $30 for families, and $5 for youth and students. To register, go to midcoastconservancy.org/events/mudathlon-trail-race. For more information, call Midcoast Conservancy at 389-5150.
