About Daniel Barden

This mud run event was started in memory of Daniel Barden, who was one of the first-graders killed in the Sandy Hook, CT tragedy in December 2012. A niece of the organizers of this event was inside the Sandy Hook Elementary School that day. She escaped unharmed, but lost her dear friend Daniel that day.

Daniel is remembered as a kind, gentle child who was polite to everyone and had a zest for life. He loved the outdoors, sports and getting muddy. Mudfest memorializes Daniel by providing scholarship opportunities and charitable giving from the proceeds of this race.