The Finger Lakes Mud Run at Everest Park: The Name Says It All (Read 87 times)

By Kate Latanyshyn

What's in a name? Shakespeare said that a rose by any other name would smell as sweet, but here at the Finger Lakes Mud Run at Everest Park, we aren't so sure. In fact, we think our name makes us who we are, and we wouldn't change a thing about it.

Let's break it down. The Finger Lakes part of our name pays homage to our great location, the Finger Lakes region. Those of us who live here can speak to the incredible scenery, picturesque landscapes, and lush acres of land, perfect for apple growing, wine tasting, dairy farming, and, naturally, mud.

"Mud Run" should be self explanatory. We're more than just a 5k or your average obstacle course. We're a military-style train run with feats to accomplish and challenges to overcome, all while getting as muddy and dirty as we possibly can. With mud runs growing in popularity and popping up all over the country, it should come as no surprise that the word "mud" holds a special place in our hearts.

Finally, and perhaps most unique about us, is the name of our host: Everest Park. A private, 160-acre hidden gem of a park located in Owasco, NY, this tranquil setting gets turned upside down for a day as thousands of participants race through the mire, muck, and mud to claim victory over the course. But it also speaks to a purpose greater than ourselves. Everest Park is home to the Brian Bisgrove Home of Courage, a nonprofit respite and retreat that offers a place of rest and relaxation for families of children suffering from life-altering health issues. One hundred percent of the net proceeds from the Finger Lakes Mud Run go to supporting this noble cause.

To us, it's clear as crystal (not mud) that our name defines us. We're muddy and proud of it, just like the many others who've embraced a mucky moniker, like Muddy Waters, or those who also glorify mud (think Queen's infamous song lyrics in "We Will Rock You"). We've got mud on our face, but that's no disgrace: that's our choice. In fact, we're waving our muddy banners high and all over the place as we count down the days to the 2014 Finger Lakes Mud Run at Everest Park, being held on Saturday, September 27. Want to learn more? Visit www.fingerlakesmudrun.com, or check us out on Facebook. We're the Finger Lakes Mud Run at Everest Park, and our name says it all.

Just running/racing in the Finger Lakes area is spectacularly amazing enough for me.  In another month or so, it will be beyond perfection.  I miss it so!

This is what comes to mind when I read Finger Lakes and Mud...

Ahhh....good ol' Genesee screamers....

Women from Flint always kind of scared me.