DEANSBORO, N.Y. – April 4, 2023 – The Annual Daniel Barden Mudfest with main sponsor PepsiCo will return with its iconic mud, mayhem, and merriment on May 6 at the MKJ Farm in Deansboro.
Mudfest – officially dubbed “The Boilermaker’s Dirty Little Brother” – is a rough-and-tumble mud run obstacle course that offers something for everyone. For competitive obstacle course runners, there is a timed 5-mile run, or a timed 5K. For the less competitive runners who still want a muddy challenge, there is an untimed 5k. There is also a Kids’ Fun Run for ages 5 to 11, so runners can get the whole family involved.
New to this year’s event are the Highland Games, an exhilarating exhibition of strength that starts at noon. Spectators can watch thrilling events like the Caber Toss, Stone Put and more. At 1:30 p.m., the Farmers Carry – which everyone can participate in – will take place and get the crowd involved.
This year’s event will feature brand new obstacles, in addition to returning favorites. Each obstacle is uniquely designed and hand-built by the Mudfest masterminds to challenge runners in ways they never imagined. When they cross the finish line, they will feel an incredible sense of accomplishment and comradery.
After tromping through the mud all day, participants and spectators will find Central New York’s biggest barn party with food, drinks and music. Vendors include Ray Bros BBQ, Mangia Macrina’s Wood Fired Pizza and Louis’ Gyro Food Cart. Musical guests include: DJ Ease, Painted Black, Uncle Charlie and the Meatballs, Grit n Grace, and Alternate Universe.
DBM honors the memory of Daniel Barden, one of the first-grade children killed in the Sandy Hook, Conn. mass shooting in December 2012. A niece of the organizers of the event was inside Sandy Hook Elementary School that day. She escaped physically unharmed, but her friend and neighbor Daniel, did not. Daniel was a kind and gentle child who touched the hearts of everyone he met.
Proceeds from DBM will benefit the Daniel Barden Adventure Scholarship, which selects students for an all-expenses-paid 8-day canoe and camping adventure through the Adirondacks in July in order to instill perseverance, team work, physical fitness and mental wellness. Winners are chosen based on a series of essay questions they submit to apply. As an added bonus, the winners get to designate a charity of their choice to equally fund with DBM proceeds.
Mudfest has sponsorship opportunities available here: https://www.bardenmudfest.org/sponsors/.
They also are looking for volunteers who can sign up here: https://www.bardenmudfest.org/volunteer/.
Athletes may register for DBM online at www.bardenmudfest.org until midnight on May 4. They may also the morning of the event, before race start times.