Slog through bog to help the Tuolumne River

Supporters of Tuolumne River restoration will get down and dirty at the Mud Blast, a run set for Oct. 20.

Participants will make their way over mud pits, hay bales and other obstacles on more than 3.1 miles of trails at Dos Rios Ranch. This 1,603-acre expanse where the Tuolumne meets the San Joaquin River was acquired this year for protection as riverside habitat.

The event will raise money for River Partners, a Chico-based group that has a Modesto branch office and is part of the Dos Rios effort.

"The first mud run was held in 2011 along the Sacramento River," said John Carlon, president of River Partners, in a news release. "It was such a success, our supporters in Modesto encouraged us to establish a second race in Stanislaus County."

The entry fee for runners 18 or older is $50 through August and steps up to $65 by mid-October. Runners ages 10 to 17 pay $45 through August and up to $55 later. Kids 5 to 12 can take part in the Mini Mud Blast for $25.

Individuals and teams can register online until 8 p.m. Oct. 16. Runners can register at the race, starting at 7 a.m., if space is available. The first wave of runners will set out at 9 a.m.

"What if it rains?" says the race Web site. "Perfect! More mud."

The event will feature a barbecue lunch, free to runners; sales of beer, soda and water; entertainment and prizes.

Participants are encouraged to come in costume and to bring blankets or folding chairs to sit on during lunch.

River Partners invites school groups, Scout troops and other youth organizations to inquire about holding their own fund-raisers and service projects during the event.

Dos Rios Ranch, about 10 miles west of Modesto, was bought for $21.8 million from the Lyons family. The money came from several government and private sources.

More information is available at at www.mudblast.org.

Bee staff writer John Holland can be reached at jholland@modbee.com or (209) 578-2385.