The Course:
The idea for The Mudder came from farm owner and course designer Andrew Stewart. In 2013 Andrew came up with the concept of a unique mud run to take advantage of the unique terrain of his family’s Rangitikei Farm. This landscape is naturally hilly and by creating a course that also took in some of the unique geographical features, such as swamps, dams and springs, he was able to deliver something truly unique to mud runners in New Zealand. The course winds its way through a working sheep and beef farm so entrants are sharing the course with sheep, cattle, horse and some coloured pet sheep. Being in such close proximity to farm animals just adds to the unique flavour of this event.
While there are some man-made obstacles to test entrants, the obstacles that truly challenge are the natural ones. Here are some of the favourites from the previous three years:
Slog through a bog: Leaving the flatter part of the course behind, the first creek crossing turns into a hands and knees slog up through a spring fed bog. This little gem turns from grassy gold to gut busting gloop after the first few punters have been through, but always gets laughter and smiles and of course everyone gets filthy.
Rubber Island: Leaping across (or through) a water hazard, entrants find themselves on a spongy, floating island that moves with each step. This is a unique geographical feature that creates a sense of bouncing on water. Getting off the island is not easy and requires a slippery struggle through waist high mud.
Monster Mac: This old tree could be straight out of a Hobbit movie and has a trunk and branches that have to be seen to be believed.
Slip and slide: Leaving the hills behind is a great feeling so why not celebrate with a super, slippery slide. Or two. Or three….
The short course is about 3km long, the full course about 5km and those that wish to really challenge themselves can do the two lap course which is about 8km.
Map of the course
Elevation profile of the course (click image to expand)[/caption]
Race timetable:
8am – 9:45am: Registrations and bib collecting will be open at the Rangitikei Farmstay woolshed, 498 Makuhou Road. Entrants will also be able to purchase food and drinks if required both before and after the event.
10am: The Mudder briefing
10:10am: Warm up session. Get loose and limber to some funky beats with a personal trainer on stage to get the blood pumping.
10:15am: 8km course start.
10:20am: 5km course start: There will be multiple waves in this class.
10:30am: 3km course start.
Prizegiving will take place after the last entrants are off the course so everyone can enjoy.
IMPORTANT EVENT INFORMATION
CASH ONLY
Please take time to bring some cash with you. There are no EFTPOS or credit card facilities on site. There are a number of ATM’s in Marton and also numerous shops so take time and arrive prepared.
CLOTHING
At this time of year, the weather is a very fickle beast. Please dress accordingly for what can be winter like conditions. Entrants should wear warm undergarments (preferably woollen) on the skin to keep warm during the event. It is strongly recommended to bring a second clean pair to change into after the event. Bring some warm clothes, jackets and beanies to wear afterwards and please take action if you are feeling the cold. The mud will be cold and the water will be colder so take some time to think about the clothes worn on the day.
DRIVING
The address of The Mudder Event HQ is 498 Makuhou Road which is searchable in many GPS systems. We are operating a traffic management system on the day and we ask that:
ALL CARS PLEASE ENTER MAKUHOU ROAD FROM THE TUTAENUI ROAD END
There will be signs and marshals to direct you. Please be patient and careful if you have to wait for a red light and remember to get everything you might need from your vehicle before walking to Event HQ. You will need to allow time for delays and walking from your vehicle. DON’T LEAVE IT TILL THE LAST HALF HOUR OR YOU MAY MISS YOUR START! If you are leaving early after the event please follow instructions and leave Makuhou Road as shown.
FOOD AND BEVERAGES
This will be located in one area for convenience and include warm and cold options. Remember to bring cash as there will be no EFTPOS. Please support these businesses and re stock those depleted calories.
REGISTRATIONS & SIGN IN
All registrations will be handled inside the woolshed. You will receive a number on a wrist band. Entrants can then use their race number to check in their bags at the bag drop. You should bring some tape for your shoes as some of the mud is very hard to get your feet out of sometimes (This is a very good idea!). The secure bag drop area is inside the covered yards where you will be able to leave your bags. We ask that you limit loose items as you will only be able to check in one item per entrant.
CHANGING ROOMS
There will be individual changing rooms in the woolshed. Please respect each others privacy.
RACE BRIEFING AND WARM UP SESSION
The briefing will take place in the covered yards and will start at about 10am. This will be followed by some warm up music to get those limbs loose for the event.
THE MAIN EVENT
Entrants will start in 8km, 5km and 3km waves. Please be sure to follow the instructions of the Race Officials in the starting areas, and don’t forget to warm-up beforehand! It is also VERY IMPORTANT to follow signs on the course so you complete the correct distance.
THE FINISH
Once you have finished please take the time to get your Mudder medal. You will then be able to get some photos taken and have a rinse down in the cold water pre wash. We do have hot showers for you to wash up in after you have completed this process.
PRIZEGIVING
This will only start once all entrants are off the course and will take place in the covered yards. There will be a shield and major prizes for the Best Dressed on the day and a fantastic assortment of spot prizes to be drawn. Remember you will have to be at the prize giving to be eligible for a prize so please hang around to avoid disappointment.
SPECTATORS
The Mudder is definitely a spectator friendly event, and we encourage friends and family to come along and join in the fun. We ask that all spectators please stay off the actual course and follow instructions. Rangitikei Farmstay is still a functioning farm, so the last thing we want is gates left open or fences broken – please respect this rule.
