LEWISTON -- It’s rare in daily life to find yourself clinging to a net over a pit of water, climbing a wall of tires or slithering through mud under barbed wire.
These are three of 15 obstacles people of all ages and abilities will tackle Saturday, Aug. 20, at the Gritman Medical Center 2016 LC Valley Down and Dirty Mud Run. Think of Inland 360’s third annual event as a test of one’s mettle or a yearly injection of Indiana Jones action.
“We’re transforming the Community Park into a gantlet of fun and adventure. It can be competitive but the primary
purpose is to have some fun,” said Nathan Alford, editor and publisher of the Lewiston Tribune and Moscow-Pullman Daily News and president of the nonprofit group that organizes the event.
At four miles long, this year’s course includes an additional mile, new and old obstacles, more mud and three live bands at the finish line where there will be outdoor showers, water and beer available by donation with I.D.
All proceeds from the event go to charity and this year will benefit the Lewiston Independent Foundation for Education, which provides funding and support for faculty, students and staff in the Lewiston School District; and the Liberty Theater Preservation Alliance, a group working to restore the Liberty Theater in downtown Lewiston as a venue for the performing arts, film and culture.
“It’s not only about having fun but making a difference,” Alford said. “As a news organization we have an obligation
to be part of the community and to be a leader. This is a new breed of event that has taken the nation by storm in the last three to five years. We’ve done a good job of building our own to the benefit of local nonprofits.”
Last year’s race drew around 450 runners and raised $16,000 for the Idaho Food Bank. The event raised $5,000 its first year for Lewiston’s Cody Ensley and the Warfighter Foundation.
This year’s course caters to a variety of racers. An Elite Heat at 9 a.m. is reserved for competitive athletes ages 16
and older who will take on the course first, head-to-head. Heat Five at 11 a.m. is for ages 11 to 15, although kids are welcome to run with their parents in other heats. A separate Mini Mudder course is designed for children younger than 10. Parents with young children are encouraged to accompany their child through that course. Kids can run the Mini Mudder as many times as they like.
Inland 360 partnered with Gritman Medical Center and other sponsors for this year’s race.
“It’s not just a race for elite runners, recreationalists and kids. It’s a spectator sport,” Alford said. “Come out and support it. It’s an adventure unlike any other and we’ve got it right here in our valley. Run hard, walk hard, just have fun.”
If You Go
What: Gritman Medical Center 2016 LC Valley Down and Dirty Mud Run When: 8 a.m. to noon Saturday, Aug. 20 Where: Lewiston Community Park, 1001 Park Ave., Lewiston Cost: $50 until Friday, Aug. 19 when the price goes up to $65 for adults; $30 ages 11-15, $15 Mini-Mudder ages 10 and younger
Of Note: -- Thursday, Aug. 18, is the last day to register online at lcvdownanddirty.com. Runners can register from 5 to 7 p.m. Friday at Crossfit LC Valley in Lewiston and Tri-State Outfitters in Moscow; and 8 to 10 a.m. Saturday at the course. -- Heats begin at 9 a.m. Last heat starts at 11:15 a.m. -- Saturday’s band lineup is Paradox at 8:15 a.m., Mother Yeti at 9:45 a.m. and Taproot Bluegrass at 11:15 a.m.
