While Luray, Virginia is always going to be best-known for its world-renowned Luray Caverns, the small town in Page County is becoming more and more known for outdoor pursuits. Luray has the Greenway, Lake Arrowhead, Swim Fests, a major triathlon, softball tournaments, ziplines, canoeing, horseback riding, cycling events, and of course quick access to Shenandoah National Park and George Washington National Forest.
And for those who love mud, Luray has that, too.
The fifth annual Blue Ridge Mountain Mudurance, conducted by the Luray-Page County Chamber of Commerce and co-hosted by the Page Alliance for Community Action (PACA), will be held at Ralph Dean Park on September 29th, 2018. The race is 5k (3.1 miles) of fitness challenge. In the last few years, “mud runs” have become quite popular nationwide and the courses can induce varying amounts of difficulty and suffering. The Mudurance involves a combination of flat and steep terrain. One must carry cinder blocks, negotiate a climbing wall, plow through mud trenches, and navigate balance beams, hay bales, tunnels, and a 200-foot water slide.
“The mud race is a challenging event, but it’s more than that — it’s fun,” said Gina Hilliard, President of the Luray – Page County Chamber of Commerce. “We’re about more than just the competition– though we do have plenty of people who come out to win. We’re here for the team and relationship building that comes with overcoming the obstacles to make it to the finish.”
While entry fees were as low as $40 starting in April, they are $65 (13 and up) from September 1st to September 27th. The 28th and 29th it goes to $75. Lower fees apply for children.
As a reward for completing the race, all finishers will receive a custom made Blue Ridge Mountain Mudurance patch. There are awards for overall male and female winner in different age groups, plus Best Corporate Team and Best Police, Fire and Rescue Team. Top winners in each category will receive a prize from the event’s many sponsors.
Megan Gordon of PACA said, “It’s great for PACA to be a co-host for the mud race because it brings out families to participate together. The youth get a chance to volunteer for the mud race, and they have a wonderful time doing that. Part of our mission is to provide healthy alternative activities for kids and the race fits right into that.”
Ralph Dean Park, the site of the event, is owned by the Town of Luray, and Dakota Baker, their Assistant Director of Parks & Recreation, said, “I love seeing all the people who come out to support the community for such a fun event, and it was great to see everyone being active and fostering teamwork throughout the race.”
For more information on the Blue Ridge Mountain Mudurance, call 540-743-3915, or check their Facebook page.
Luray’s early fall weather is an outdoorsman’s dream. If you can’t make the Mudurance, put one of these activities/events-listings on your calendar:
Canoe/Kayak/Tube: Shenandoah River Outfitters
Horseback ride: Fort Valley Ranch and Jordan Hollow Stables
Climb: Rope Adventure Park
Visit a vineyard at Wisteria Farm and Vineyard and the Blue Ridge Whisky –Wine Loop.
Hike in Shenandoah National Park
Sept. 8 — James “Spading” Buracker Memorial 5K, Greenway/Park & Ride
Oct. 6 & 7 — Page County Heritage Festival, Page County Fairgrounds
Nov. 17– PACA/PCPS Turkey Trot: 5K/1K, Greenway
Lodging Options
Extend your visit to Luray and stay in one of these fine accommodations:
Mimslyn Inn
The Manor and Cottage Collection
Hotel Laurance
Luray Caverns Motel
Page County is also designated the Cabin Capital of Virginia, with good reason. Some of the most popular choices include:
All Star Lodging (For cabin rental help)
Brookside Cabins
The Country Place Lodging and Camping on the Shenandoah River
Crestview Cottage
Fort Valley Ranch
Luray Mountain Cabins
Piney Hill B&B and Cottages
Shadow Mountain Escape
Shenandoah National Park Lodging
Shenandoah River Outfitters
Note: A small section of Main Street in Luray is temporarily closed as a new bridge is constructed. Detours are short and well-marked, and all the shops and restaurants on Main Street are definitely open.