Thompson Falls runners have fun in the mud

Thompson Falls - The sun was shining, burning off the early morning fog, and shining into 20 sets of eager runners’ eyes, who were ready to get dirty on Saturday.

Valentine’s Day, the Clark Fork Valley Running Club held a small event, the “Mud Mile Run,” along the Cat Tracks heading East in Thompson Falls.

Approximately 20 people participated in the run, which started promptly at ten in the morning. The run was about a mile in length, and fairly easy for the running club. On the return from the run, one last puddle lay between the participants and the finish. Some tried to avoid the mud puddle, while other took enjoyment in splashing through it. One runner kicked the mud at others as they ran by.

“This is the first time we’ve done it.” said Sarah Naegeli, the founder and organizer of the group. She explained that on a recent run, she and some friends encountered mud, and she had the great idea to do a Valentines Day mud run.

She said that it was hard to find mud with the recent dry conditions, though she did say the conditions were, “Beautiful,” and that she was happy with the turnout of about 20 people.

Kris Nagel, who runs on and off for school, joked about running on Valentines day, saying it was for his love of running.

At the end of the run, Naegeli had cups of chocolate pudding for everyone to eat as they gathered at the Rose Park, just at the entrance to Downtown Thompson Falls.