Carbon is getting dirty.
On June 22, the village in the valley will be holding its first annual Carbon Mud Stomp, a 5 kilometre race filled with obstacles and, as the name implies, a lot of mud.
“We had some members of the community who had seen similar events and thought Carbon would be the ideal place to hold one with our hills and trails. It’s a way to get people to the community to see what we have,” said Jody Wacowich, one of the organizers for the race.
The route will take racers through Carbon’s extensive trail system and will feature eight obstacles for participants to overcome.
“There will be everything from balance beams, over-and-unders, and the last one is a huge mud slide down one of the hills,” said Wacowich. “It should be a lot of fun.”
Kids are also encouraged to run the course.
“We’ll shorten the course for the kids. They’ll still get to do the mud slide, but won’t have to run as far. We want to get the kids out too,” said Wacowich.
It is hoped up to 200 adults, divided into four heats of 50, plus kids will participate in the event. Registration has been filling up fast, with runners from Edmonton, Calgary, Stettler, Lacombe, and more coming down for the race.
Proceeds from the event will be split between the Carbon Rec Board, Carbon Fire Department, and Parent Advisory Council who are organizing the event.
The event was named after one of Carbon’s most famous celebrities.
“The Mud Stomp was from Archie the Stomper, who made Carbon a little famous,” said Carbon CAO Debra Grosfield.
Archie “The Stomper” Gouldie was born in Carbon and would go on to train with the legendary Stu Hart and become one of Canada’s most famous professional wrestlers.
Registrations to race are still being accepted and can be found here.
Organizers are hoping more volunteers will come forward to help with the race. Those interested are encouraged to contact the Carbon Village Office at 403-572-3244.
“We’re always happy to take more volunteers and there is room for more people to sign up to run,” said Wacowich.
Should all go well, it is hoped the Mud Stomp will become an annual event.
“We’re hoping there will be many more,” said Wacowich.
