UPDATES & NEWS

August 25th, 2008

Update #1

Due to flooding conditions at Seminole Valley Park - Ushers Ferry and the uncertainty of opening that area this year we have met with the Cedar Rapids Parks Department and agreed it makes sense to move the location of the event for 2008.  Noelridge Park is the new event location due to it’s great location, ideal cross-country running course, and ample accommodations for parking and post-race activities.

Update #2

We are offering 2 opportunities to participate in a Muddy Monster training run this year.  Join us on September 17th and/or October 5th for a preview of the course and an opportunity to discuss your training needs with our sponsors including St. Luke’s, Velocity, and Running Wild.  These runs are open to everyone (you do not need to be registered). Refer to the Race Timeline for details.

Update #3

One of our 2007 15K participants had so much fun last year that he decided to share this fun with his fellow troops located in Egypt. Bill Hendrickson will be managing a Muddy Monster satellite run in Egypt in 2008!  We will announce the award winners (including the costume prize) of the “Egypt division” during the Muddy Monster awards.  How can you support our troops?  We will be posting information in the coming weeks on items needed for our care package - a drop off will be available on race day.

Muddy Monster 2008

We are excited to be back in 2008! To build upon the success in our inaugural year, we have made some positive changes to the event.  Highlights include:

• The most obvious change is new event name and logo.  The move to Muddy Monster better reflects the spirit of the event and combines the aspects of a cross country run with a Halloween theme.
• The course is being modified slightly. The route is essentially the same but the start and finish have moved to Seminole Valley Park. This change should help alleviate starting the run with a large number of participants, allow spectators a better view of the run in progress, will open up the post-race activities, and allow more parking closer to the rate site.
• The race day/time has moved to align with a weekend of Halloween activities in Ushers Ferry.  With that, pre-race packet pick-up will be offered.
• Two training runs will be offered with Velocity and St. Luke’s Physical Therapist professionals in attendance to help with your training needs.  Tentatively these runs will be held in September and October. Check back soon for more details.
• The Achilles Heel is proud to be filing for non-profit 501(c)(3) status and is working with local charities that match our mission to benefit from the race proceeds.

Your feedback is welcome to help ensure we continue meeting your needs to the best of our ability!