Padden Mudfest
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About the race
The Padden Mudfest is a trail running event held on the trails of Lake Padden Park in Bellingham, WA. It began in 2003 and later added a shorter distance in 2020. The event offers two distances:
- 5k
- 10k
Both courses follow upper horse trails above the lake and finish with a flat lakeside run along the shores of Lake Padden. The 5k is essentially the second half of the 10k. Runners should expect narrow, winding singletrack with steep climbs and descents, exposed rocks and roots, and potentially muddy, slippery sections. A small out-and-back spur was added to the 10k course in 2024 to adjust distance; a course monitor and a posted turnaround mark this section.
Water is available on course at specified mile marks: the 5k course has one water point at about 1.8 miles, and the 10k has water at about 3.1 and 4.5 miles. Chip timing is provided by a local timing company. Trail shoes or running shoes with an aggressive tread and secure lacing are recommended; spikes are not advised.
Entry fees vary by club membership and age, with reduced rates for members and youth and an additional day-of registration charge if available. Packet pickup is offered on the weekend before the race and at the race site. Awards include medals and prizes for overall finishers in female, male and non-binary divisions, age-group ribbons, and refreshments such as hot soup and bread. The event supports a running shoe recycling program and operates as a volunteer-run nonprofit race with a zero waste goal. Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.
