Event Information and Final Instructions

Check this page right up until 7/17 to make sure that you have the latest information and instructions. The 2010 course instructions have been posted and take into account a couple of detours along the route.

What is the Mule Run?

A few years ago, several of us who were preparing for an ultramarathon decided to add a long overnight run to our training. We were looking for basic distance without the challenges of the Appalachian Trail. We wanted a route that would allow easy access to support. What started as a training exercise for just a few of us turned into a more coordinated adventure. Beginning near Shepherdstown, WV, our course follows the C&O Canal Towpath for about 62 miles to the picinic ground at Carderock, MD.

This Year's Run

The date for this year's Mule Run is Saturday, July 17 starting at 7:00 p.m.. The field will be limited to 25 runners. The entry fee is still $65, which will include a technical shirt. Our intent is for the top three finishers to get awards.. You can download the entry form here. If you just want to pace a runner, download the pacer form here.

You must be a member of the Loudoun Road Runners to join the Mule Run. Non-members are welcome by invitation as determined by the run director (Phil) and the President of LRR (Teri).  Note: we reserve the right to make such decisions on whatever arbitrary basis seems to work including, but not limited to coin-toss, tea-leaves, card-draw, shamanistic vision, etc..

The Course

Many ultramarathons are run over rugged and difficult terrain with numerous climbs and descents. The Mule Run, on the other hand, is simply about distance. The course is run entirely on the C&O Canal Towpath starting under the bridge to Shepherdstown, WV and continues all the way to Carderock, MD. Directions are posted here with more detail about the route. If you're wondering how long it will take to finish the run and how many miles you'll cover in the dark, download the pace calculator sheet. One of the best parts of the run is stretch through Great Falls which most Mule Runners experience on Sunday morning. The course is not yet certified, but don't worry: you are assured of every bit of 100K.

Support/Crewing

This an organized run, but it does not currently offer formal course support. This means that each runner must make the necessary crewing arrangements to get through the course. Multiple runners who expect to remain relatively close together will usually share a crew vehicle. Make sure that your crew has everything you'll need for the night--favorite snacks, changes of clothing/equipment, blanket, etc. Since crews usually wait together, we typically collaborate on how a given station will actually work. They're far enough apart that there's plenty of time to set up some kind of common table. Sometimes a front runner gets far enough ahead that the crews separate. Whoever is at the finish first records the times of the arrivals.

Changes from Last Year

Our relationship with the National Park Service is very good, and their support for the Mule Run has made our use of the trail much easier. This year, they have asked that we wear tail-lights in addtion to headlights after dark.  This will make runners visible from both directions after dark.

 Why a Mule?

The British Mule Society describes mules this way: “Weight for weight they are stronger than horses, and are much longer-lived with much longer working lives, although maturing slightly later. They rarely become ill or lame or suffer wounds, can withstand extremes of temperature, can live on frugal rations, have tremendous stamina and resilience and are exceptionally sure-footed.” Such rugged little beasts were ideal for hauling barges up and down the C&O Canal.

The BMS goes on to praise mules as “. . . highly intelligent—mule devotees would say more intelligent than horses—and are very quick to learn, with a grasp of a situation which often seems little short of miraculous. This means that their handlers need to be quick-witted to stay one jump ahead of them. A well-trained and handled mule is obliging, kind, patient, persevering, calm, tolerant, sensible, loyal, affectionate, playful” These are all attributes to which any runner can aspire!