Inside the Yemassee Mud Run
Load up your cooler and grab a friend. It’s that time again! Head out to the Yemassee Mud Run on September 18th for the annual Shrimp Festival Mud Run, one of the biggest that Yemassee locals host each year. Just make sure you don’t mind getting a little dirty! The races begin at noon while the gates open at 8:00 am. Be sure to get there early to get a spot close enough to enjoy all of the mud-slinging activities.
The Yemassee Mud Run draws a very assorted crowd of people, but there is one thing these people always have in common: they love to have a good time. The mud run offers a little bit of something for everyone. At the mud run, it’s acceptable for your children to make mud pies and to get dirty. It’s acceptable to “holler” at the top of your lungs for your favorite racer. Not only is the mud run a gathering place, it also revolves around the age old sport of racing. The objective is to drive your truck through the 225 foot mud pit as fast as possible all while trying not to get stuck. Some trucks in the unlimited class have made it through in 2 seconds.
Beaufort locals such as 16 year old Brinton Roberts have made it through the pit many times. Though the clean-up may be a hassle, each winner does reap rewards. The different classes are based on the different size of the truck’s tires. If you don’t have a mud truck, but still want to run, enter the street class. The winner receives 50% of the entry fees for those that entered that class.
Maybe driving a truck isn’t your style. For those that are more interested in staying fit, try entering the Filthy 5k Challenge. The next challenge will be held on October 22 at the Yemassee Mud Run. The 5k has 2 challenges, one for individual runners and one for teams. Better start training now because this is far from your average 5k. Be ready to run through the trenches and even the actual mud pit.
There’s something for everyone at the Yemassee Mud Run. Make sure to commemorate you trip by purchasing a t-shirt or koozie. The mud run is full of fun and entertainment and it’s definitely something you won’t want to miss. For more information visit www.yemasseemudrun.com
Photo by Amy Daring