The Mud Run has become a popular type of 5K athletic event and the abandoned mine properties of Hernando County are a perfect fit for the type of obstacles these mud runs require. This is not something that just appeals to a select few. Thousands of people flock to Hernando County to participate in the sport and many come to watch.
Mud Endeavor describes themselves as “Florida’s premier Obstacle Course Race.” They say their goal is to create a run that appeals to the average runner as well as the elite athlete. Mud Endeavor uniquely designs their obstacles to fit the terrain of the individual location. Participants must climb up the steep wall of the former mine at Camp Castle, traverse muddy pits, and climb multiple types of rope obstacles.
Mud Endeavor began in 2012 at an old dirt mine on Wildlife Lane in Brooksville which offers 100 foot elevations and a stadium like view of all the muddy action.
Most recently they utilized the old Camp Castle Mine on Beggs Lane in Brooksville. Camp Castle was a hard rock mine in the 1920’s, started by the Camp family. The current owners Rebecca and Garry James built 6 miles of horse trails on the property. They thought that they would run a horse farm and provide trail riding opportunities but insurance costs were exorbitant. The Mud Run gives them an opportunity to support themselves through the hard work they put into building the trails and maintaining the property.
In April, Mud Endeavor will host a run on the Little Manatee River and then a night run in Dade City. The next Endeavor Mud Run in Hernando County will be on May 17th at the Wildlife Lane Mine.
Read: A Short History of the Camp Castle Mine to learn more about the ground you will be treading for the next time you compete in a Camp Castle Mud Run.