Known for its popular children’s summer programs, Camp Harlow@@http://www.campharlow.com/@@ will be hosting its first down-and-dirty running event in Eugene — a far cry from the Olympic racing Eugene is known for.
“Our races are definitely a challenge,” said Carly Raska, marketing director for Terrain Racing. @@http://www.linkedin.com/pub/carly-raska/12/4b9/66b@@”They’re encouraged to be more of a personal challenge and a challenge with you and your friends.”
The “Mud Run” is one of a series put on across the western states throughout the year by Terrain Racing. At $60 per person, @@http://terrainracing.com/register/eugene@@the terrain at Camp Harlow will feature miles of obstacles ranging from cargo nets to sludgy trenches and is meant to enthrall everyone from outdoor enthusiasts to the novice participants. Terrain Racing is expecting about 400 people to attend the event, including Camp Harlow employee Elisa Halemeier.@@http://www.campharlow.com/guest-services/contact-information@@
“I love adventure, and I work out at Camp Harlow, so I’ve been watching the people set up for the mud run,” Halemeier said. “I expect it to be dirty and fun and a challenge … I think it’s going to be awesome.”
Terrain Racing has been in communication with Camp Harlow for the last few months leading up to Saturday morning’s race, where there will be both a three-mile and five-mile race. Raska couldn’t be happier with the array of landscapes the site provides for the event.
“This is our first year in Eugene and therefore first time at Camp Harlow,” Raska said. “It is absolutely a perfect location. There are hills, filbert groves, and open fields. It really is a perfect location for our type of course.”
Terrain Racing’s “Mud Runs” involve manipulating and changing the environment within and around the site. However, Raska explained that as much of the natural landscape is used when putting on a race, and that precautions are taken to ensure no lasting damage to the area.
“The people who operate Camp Harlow have been fantastic in making sure we’re able to create the obstacles in a way that’s sustainable to the environment,” Raska said. “Nothing that we’re doing is irreparable damage. All of the mud pits that we’re digging will be filled in and taken care of after the event.”
As for all the mud? “Hoses,” Raska said. “We use lots of hoses.”