Mud Mountain XV Fun Run video

Produced by Tom Atwood
Camera/ Joe Young
Music/Dava Jonah
©2010 Tom Atwood Media
All Rights Reserved

World premiere of 2010 race video: Mighty Joe Visits Mud Mountain; fun run video to be posted Tuesday

VIDEO FROM MUD MOUNTAIN XV
CAMERA/ JOE YOUNG
PRODUCER/EDITOR/ TOM ATWOOD
MUSIC/ DAVA JONAH (“BLACK GRASS” USED WITH PERMISSION)
© 2010 TOM ATWOOD MEDIA
ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

Freudenburg sets new meet record at Mud Mountain XV; 5K draws 600 runners for first time ever; total registrations top 700 for another record

A beautiful sight (especially if you don't know how hot it was!)--600 runners at the start of Mud Mountain XV. Photo/Tom Atwood (click image to enlarge)

Zac Freudenburg holds 1st place plaque presented by Edwardsville Schools Superintendent Dr. Ed Hightower. Photo/Tom Atwood

The 2005 course record set by Dustin Davis is still safe, but yesterday, 32-year-old Zac Freudenburg established a new meet record for the Mud Mountain 5K Classic, running 3.1 miles in 15:37. The record Davis set 5 years ago (15:36) was accomplished during an IHSA sectional meet, which was held on the Mud Mountain course at SIU Edwardsville. So Davis still holds the course record, but now, Freudenburg has the Mud Mountain record. And not far behind, running the 2nd fastest time ever at the event, is Eric "Jo Jo" Johannigmeier, the EHS grad who clocked in at a speedy 15:48 yesterday.

In terms of overall attendance, records were set for the 5K (600 runners - 582 in age divisions plus 18 Clydesdale runners), and a new record was set for total registrations (708). Both marks eclipse last year's race, which was held on a much cooler day during a much cooler summer.

Experience trumps youth at Mud Mountain XV: Freudenburg, age 32, and Caveny, age 40, triumph in the heat; race sets new record for attendance

Candace Caveny wears the Mud Mountain "Champion" dri-fit after claiming her second Mud Mountain title today. Photo/Tom Atwood

Zac Freudenburg about to cross the fiish line at Mud Mountain XV. Freudenburg ran the course in 15:37, just 2 seconds off the record pace established by Dustin Davis in 2005. Photo/Tom Atwood

Under a blazing sun hundreds of runners competed in the Mud Mountain 5K and One Mile Fun Run today at the SIU Edwardsville cross country course. The event set several records, including the record for overall registrations. More than 700 runners signed up this year, surpassing the old record of 684 set in 2009. Most remarkable is that this record was set on one of the hottest days of the summer, in the middle of an extended heat wave. And best of all, no serious medical problems were reported during the race due to the heat.

Here's the final registration breakdown for Mud Mountain XV:

Race day registrations: 92
Pre-registrations: 616 ( a new record)
Total registrations: 708 ( a new record)

Race Day! Mud Mountain enters new territory: more than 600 pre-register, a new record; how many more will sign up at the course this morning?

A total of 91 runners registered for Mud Mountain XV at the Cyclery Friday, contributing to a new, single-day record. Photo/Tom Atwood

Finally, the big day is here. Mud Mountain XV! And we start the day with some new records, including 616 runners pre-registered for the 5K and One Mile Fun Run. That is the largest number to pre=register ever at Mud Mountain, shattering last year's previous record of 553. One year more than 130 signed up at the course on race day; if that happens today, we will set a new overall registration record. Let's hope it's a safe race!

Here's the breakdown:

Entries received yesterday: 147 (a new single-day record); 91 at The Cyclery (and 6 others), 50 online (new single-day record)
2010 online entries: 267
2010 mail in (and other) entries: 349 (a new record)
Total entries to date: 616 (a new pre-registration record)

Last year --------
Entries received one year ago yesterday: 93 total , including 37 online, 56 at Cyclery, and 0 mail in
2009 online entries: 301
2009 mail-in (and other) entries: 252
2009 total pre-registrations: 553
2009 final total: 684

2008 ---------
2008 total pre-registrations: 404
2008 final total: 567

Despite heat, registrations shatter single-day record; more than 100 new entries received today; crowd at Cyclery picks up packets, t-shirts

Runners take advantage of last chance to register for Mud Mountain XV at mail-in prices today at The Cyclery. Photos/Tom Atwood

The temperature today outside The Cyclery in Edwardsville was 95 degrees, but inside, in air-conditioned comfort, dozens of runners signed up to run Mud Mountain tomorrow morning, despite the heat. In fact, already today, a new record has been established for entries in a single day: 115 (and runners are still registering online until 11 p.m.) So, what does this mean? It means that a new record for total race registration could be set this year. But for that to happen, a lot of runners have to sign up tomorrow morning, on race day. We'll see!

Here's the breakdown, as of 5 p.m.:

Entries received so far today: 115 (a new single-day record); 86 at The Cyclery, 29 online
2010 online entries: 247
2010 mail in (and other) entries: 337
Total entries to date: 581 (a new pre-registration record)

1 day til race day; daily entries wilt in the heat; packet pickup today at Cyclery; set up today at the course

Superintendent Dr. Ed Hightower, who is the official race starter for Mud Mountain XV, surrounded by Edwardsville runners. Photo/Tom Atwood

Today pre-registered runners can pick up their Mud Mountain t-shirts and race bibs at The Cyclery, 2470 Troy Road in Edwardsville. Also, starting at 7:30 a.m., volunteers will begin setting up the course for tomorrow's event.

The continuing hot weather seems to be taking its toll on race entries. Yesterday 36 signed up for Mud Mountain XV, compared to 57 last year on this date. Hopefully more will take advantage of the registration and packet pickup today at the Cyclery.

Here's the breakdown so far:

Entries received yesterday: 36 (11 mail in, 25 online)
2010 online entries: 218
2010 mail-in entries: 251
2010 total to date: 469

Last year ----------
Entries received one year ago yesterday: 57 total (a single day record), including 48 online (new single day record), and 9 mail in
2009 online entries: 264 (new record)
2009 mail-in (and other) entries: 196
2009 total to date: 460
2009 final total: 684

2008------
2008 online to date: 135
2008 mail-in to date: 211
2008 total to date: 346
2008 final total: 567 (485 5K entries, 82 fun-run entries)

KSDK-TV airs report on Mud Mountain XV, links to race website

This story from reporter Kasey Joyce aired on "Today in St. Louis" on July 22, 2010.

2 days til race day; Cyclery to host early packet pickup, registration Friday; race entries for Mud Mountain XV reach 433

Runners can avoid the race day crunch at Mud Mountain by taking advantage of early packet pickup tomorrow at the Cyclery, 2470 Troy Road in Edwardsville. A pre-registration booth will be set up at the Cyclery between 10 a.m. and 6 p.m. where registered runners can pick up their bib number and race t-shirt. Also, runners can register at the Cyclery for the mail in price of $15 for age 18 and under, $20 for adults. Souvenir dri-fit t-shirts will also go on sale Friday at the Cyclery for $25. (Timing chips still need to be picked up at the course on Saturday by 7:30 a.m.)

Here's the update on race registrations to date:

Entries received yesterday: 48 (8 mail in, 18 hand-delivered, 22 online)
2010 online entries: 193
2010 mail-in entries: 240
2010 total to date: 433

Last year ------
Entries received one year ago yesterday: 37 (30 online, 7 mail in)
2009 online entries: 216
2009 mail-in (and other) entries: 187
2009 total to date: 403
2009 final total: 684

2008 ---------
2008 online to date: 115
2008 mail-in to date: 207
2008 total to date: 313
2008 final total: 567

Who will win Mud Mountain XV? And how many will run? A race director's bold predictions.

by Tom Atwood
Race Director, Mud Mountain 5K

I'm listening to the thunder as I write this. It's storming again. This Summer of 2010 will be remembered for its big clouds (see my photo at left from last week), big storms, and big heat. What does that have to do with who will win Mud Mountain XV Saturday? Maybe nothing, but I think it has had an effect on how many will run the 15th Annual Cross Country Classic.

For weeks now the race entries have been running ahead of last year's record pace, when 684 runners signed up for Mud Mountain 2009 and the One Mile Fun Run, the highest total ever. But in the last few days, the gap has been narrowing, and by race day, I predict we will have a slightly smaller turnout than in 2009. My exact prediction: 663. I think the extended period of hot weather during the past few weeks has discouraged many runners, has even kept some from training for Mud Mountain. And I am afraid that on Saturday, when runners who are "on the fence" wake up to another steamy summer morning, too many of them will crank up the air conditioner and go back to bed!

(By the way, look at the Countdown Poll in the right hand column and you'll see that more people chose 650-700 than any other option. Last year I predicted that 678 runners would sign up; the final total was 684.)

Now for the winners. This is where it gets really tricky. Last year I picked a dark horse, Jo Jo Johannigmeier, to win Mud Mountain XIV. But shortly before the race, Jo Jo suffered an injury related to orthotics he was wearing, and two runners from O'Fallon finished first and second. This summer, whenever I see Jo Jo and ask him how he's doing and if he can win the race, he looks at me like I am the devil. Or like I'm crazy. And so, I pick Jo Jo again to win this year. Although Dustin Davis, Garrett Sweatt or other runners I don't even know about could end up winning.

In the women's division I picture Candace Caveny, the O'Fallon cross country coach holding hands across the finish line with Ariane Wright, the sophomore from Edwardsville High School who beat Candace last year and grabbed the 1st place plaque. A dead heat. Or maybe Ariane will break 20 minutes (her goal) and win two in a row? And maybe I'll be wrong about the attendance and we'll set a new record this year?

3 days til race day; runners defy heat, continue to register at record pace; KSDK-TV prepares Mud Mountain report for broadcast tomorrow

Kasey Joyce (left), reporter for KSDK-TV, interviews EHS cross country runner Garrett Sweatt Wednesday. Photo/Tom Atwood



KSDK-TV reporter Kasey Joyce shoots video and interviews for live reports to air Monday morning between 5 and 7 a.m. on Newschannel 5. Her reports will explore funding cuts for education, and how events like Mud Mountain are more important than ever to raise money for extra-curricular activities. Photos/Tom Atwood

Despite this week's warm weather, entries for Saturday's Mud Mountain 5K continue their record pace. So far, 388 runners have signed up. Here's the breakdown to date:

Entries received yesterday: 31 (22 mail in, 9 online)
2010 online entries: 171
2010 mail-in entries: 217
2010 total to date: 388

Last year -------
2009 online entries: 186
2009 mail-in (and other) entries: 180
2009 total to date: 366
2009 final total: 684

2008 --------
2008 online to date: 97
2008 mail-in to date: 195
2008 total to date: 292
2008 final total: 567

4 days til race day; entries to date total 357; runners urged to pick up race packet at Cyclery this Friday

Just a reminder, runners can register at the Cyclery this Friday, July 23, and also pick up their race packet & race t-shirt. In addition, the special souvenir dri-fit t-shirts will go on sale Friday at the Cyclery for $25. First come, first served! The Cyclery is located at 2470 Troy Road in Edwardsville.


Here's the registration breakdown:

Entries received yesterday: 22
2010 online entries: 162
2010 mail-in entries: 195
2010 total to date: 357

Last year ------
Entries received yesterday: 19 (12 online, 7 mail in)
2009 online entries: 159
2009 mail-in entries: 151
2009 total to date: 310
2009 final total: 684

Last year -
Entries received 1 year ago - 31 (all mail in due to tech problem at Active.com)
2008 online to date: 79
2008 mail-in to date: 183
2008 total to date: 262
2008 final total: 567

5 days til race day; 335 have signed up so far for Mud Mountain XV; what will the weather be on July 24?

Runners can order prints of individual race photos online after Mud Mountain XV. For more information, visit: tomatwoodphotography.net.

As of today the weather forecast for Mud Mountain XV this Saturday doesn't look too bad: a 40% chance of showers and a high of 89. Looks like temperatures at the start of the 5K will be around 80 degrees. Hopefully - no lightning, which is one thing that could delay or cancel the race. Keep your fingers crossed!

Here's the registration breakdown:

Entries received yesterday: 20 (8 online, 12 mail-in)
2010 online entries: 140
2010 mail-in entries: 195
2010 total to date: 335

Last year ---------
2009 online entries: 147
2009 mail-in entries: 144
2009 total to date: 291
2009 final total: 684

2008 ------- -
2008 online to date: 79
2008 mail-in to date: 152
2008 total to date: 231
2008 final total: 567 (485 5K entries, 82 fun-run entries)

6 days til race day; registrations surge past 300; cross country picnic draws large crowd and volunteers for Mud Mountain

Nearly 100 attended the annual cross country season kickoff picnic at Glik Park Saturday, including many alumni of the Edwardsville cross country program. Photo/Tom Atwood

EHS cross country teammates Katie Speicher and Briana Chamberlain pose at picnic with Socrates. Photo/Tom Atwood

Future cross-country runner Dawson Wright dominates beanbag at XC picnic. Photo/Tom Atwood

Zach Bertels shows his skills at XC volleyball game Saturday. Photo/Tom Atwood

Former cross-country runners Ellen Atwood and Samantha Mormino, who attended the XC picnic, are both headed for Truman State University. Photo/Tom Atwood

Yesterday's cross country picnic at Glik Park gave runners, their parents and coaches a chance to have some fun together, along with several alumni of the cross country program. It also gave volunteers a chance to sign up to help out on race day at Mud Mountain XV. If you would like to volunteer (for packet pickup Friday at the Cyclery, set up Friday at the course, race day registration, water stations, chute, etc) just e-mail tom@tomatwood.net.

How many runners have signed up for Mud Mountain XV?

Entries received yesterday: 28 (3 online, 25 mail-in)
2010 online entries: 132
2010 mail-in entries: 183
2010 total to date: 315

Last Year to Date ------
2009 online entries: 139
2009 mail-in entries: 144
2009 total to date: 283
2009 final total: 684

Last year -
2008 online to date: 71
2008 mail-in to date: 152
2008 total to date: 223
2008 final total: 567

One week til race day; registration rate remains torrid (283), but will hot weather hurt turnout?

Lizzie Anderson poses for this week's ad campaign promoting Mud Mountain as a cool alternative for runners to the hot pavement of summer. Will it work?

Mud Mountain is not for the faint of heart. We all know that. But the weather forecast for this week--above normal temperatures in the mid-and upper nineties--may discourage some last-minute runners from signing up for Mud Mountain XV on July 24. Some runners may stop training in the heat. Hard to know for sure. But this kind of heat is one reason the decision was made several years ago to move Mud Mountain from its traditional Wednesday evening spot to Saturday morning--and why we made the start of the race even earlier last year, moving it up from 8:30 to 8:00 a.m, when it is cooler. Still, it seems possible that this week of heat prior to the race might hold down turnout. Just hope for a break by race day!

How many runners have signed up for Mud Mountain XV?

Entries received yesterday: 24 (16 online, 8 mail-in)
2010 online entries: 129
2010 mail-in entries: 158
2010 total to date: 287

Last Year to Date ------
2009 online entries: 137
2009 mail-in entries: 119
2009 total to date: 256
2009 final total: 684

2008 --------
2008 online to date: 63
2008 mail-in to date: 152
2008 total to date: 215
2008 final total: 567 (485 5K entries, 82 fun-run entries)

8 days til race day; sponsor list for MM XV reaches 20; race entries total 263 to date

Thanks to all sponsors supporting Mud Mountain XV. These sponsor logos will be included on the 2010 race t-shirt:

Hurford Architects
The Cyclery
Stratus Building Solutions
Market Basket
Anderson Hospital
Jennifer Faulkner – Coldwell Brown
Rebecca Dunn, DMD
Tom Atwood Media
Edwardsville Intelligencer
Metro Milers )
Randy Dunn – Edward Jones
Family Physicians of Madison County
TheBank of Edwardsville
Illinois Southwest Orthopedics
Brickman Orthodontics
David C. Laurent, Attorney at Law
(NW Mutual Finance - Mitch Wilson
Fitness Designs
R. Cann Electric
STLjointpain.com (Smith & Nephew Orthopedics)

How many runners have signed up for Mud Mountain XV?

Entries received yesterday: 20 (7 online, 13 mail-in)
2010 online entries: 113
2010 mail-in entries: 150
2010 total to date: 263

Last Year to Date ------
2009 online entries: 129
2009 mail-in entries 108
2009 total to date: 237
2009 final total: 684

2008 -----
2008 online to date: 53
2008 mail-in to date: 138
2008 total to date: 191
2008 final total: 567

9 days til race day; entries to date reach 243; past champions, runners offer quotes about Mud Mountain on race website

Yesterday the front page of the official website for Mud Mountain (www.mudmountain.org) began featuring personal quotes from past runners of the cross country 5K, including this quote from Cheryl Reasoner Wethers, pictured above: “I ran Mud Mountain to prove to myself that despite a brain injury from a cycling accident, I was up for the challenge of my first 5K since rehab. I didn't know if I would cross the finish line, or finish the race, but not trying wasn't an option. Besides, I love running hills and was proud to close with a strong sprint to the finish!”

To see all quotes, click here. New quotes will be added each day between now and race day.

How many runners will run Mud MountainXV? Here's the breakdown to date:

Entries received yesterday: 13 (4 online, 9 mail-in)
2010 online entries: 106
2010 mail-in entries: 137
2010 total to date: 243

Last Year to Date ------
2009 online entries: 108
2009 mail-in entries 92
2009 total to date: 200
2009 final total: 684 runners

2008 --------
2008 online to date: 47
2008 mail-in to date: 121
2008 total to date: 168
2008 final total: 567 runners

10 days til race day; so far 230 runners are signed up; picnic at Glik Park this Saturday kicks off cross country season

The annual cross country kickoff picnic for all Edwardsville middle and high school runners is at 11 a.m. this Saturday, July 17 at Glik Park. Hot dogs and hamburgers will be provided. Families are asked to bring side dishes. Last name A-I: desserts; last name J-R: fruit, salad, side dishes; last name S-Z: drinks, chips & dip. Also, instead of food you may bring 22 oz bottles of Gatorade to be used during the season. For more details, visit www.mudmountain.org.

Here's the breakdown of race entries received to date for Mud Mountain XV:

Entries received yesterday: 22 (6 online, 16 mail-in)
2010 online entries: 102
2010 mail-in entries: 128
2010 total to date: 230

11 days til race day; entries exceed 200; meet the youngest runner signed up so far: Max Mueller, age 3, and his sister Mercedes, age 4

Max Mueller, Age 3

Mercedes Mueller, Age 4 (Photos/Tom Atwood)

No, he's not running the 5K, but Max Mueller, who turned 3 in April, will be running the One Mile Fun Run at Mud Mountain XV. Max will be joined by his sister Mercedes, 4, in the fun run. Older sister Jill, 12, and brother Joel, 16, will run the 5K.

How many runners have signed up for Mud Mountain XV?

Entries received yesterday: 17 (10 online, 7 mail-in)
2010 online entries: 96
2010 mail-in entries: 112
2010 total to date: 208

Last Year ------
2009 online entries: 101
2009 mail-in entries: 80
2009 total to date: 181
2009 final total: 684

2008--------
2008 online entries: 44
2008 mail-in entries:117
2008 total to date: 161
2008 final total: 567

12 days til race day; 191 runners have signed up for Mud Mountain XV; souvenir dri-fits go on sale July 23 at The Cyclery; limited number available

The record registration pace for Mud Mountain XV continued over the weekend. Race entries now total 191, the highest ever for this date. Traditionally, the majority of runners sign up in the week before Mud Mountain, with as many as 160 registering at the course up on race day. Again this year, to ease the race day crunch, we are urging pre-registered runners to pick up their race packets at the Cyclery, 2470 Troy Road, in Edwardsville, on July 23 (the day before Mud Mountain). Runners can also register for the race that day for the mail-in price. As an incentive, the limited edition dri-fit t-shirts pictured above, will be offered for sale ($25) at the Cyclery on July 23, and again at the course on race day until they sell out. (The dri-fits are in addition to the regular race t-shirt all pre-registered runners will receive in their race packets.) So - sign up early. Buy a dri-fit. Be happy!

Here's the breakdown:

Entries yesterday: 15 (7 online, 8 mail)
2010 online entries: 86
2010 mail-in entries: 105
2010 total entries to date: 191

Last year---------
2009 online entries: 97
2009 mail-in entries 78
2009 total to date: 175
2009 final total: 684 entries

2008----- -----
2008 online to date: 41
2008 mail-in to date: 108
2008 total to date: 149
2008 final total: 567 entries

13 days til race day; booster club meets tomorrow to organize volunteers; race entries to date total 176

Members of the Edwardsville Cross Country and Track & Field Booster Club will meet at 6:30 tomorrow night (Monday July 12) upstairs at Tiger Country (next to the EHS track). We will organize volunteers for race day, including set up, chute, parking, water stations, fruit and tear down. Something for everyone! See you tomorrow night.

Here's the breakdown:

Entries yesterday: 13
2010 online entries: 79
2010 mail-in entries: 97
2010 total entries to date: 176

2009 online entries: 88
2009 mail-in entries 72
2009 total to date: 160

2008 online to date: 36
2008 mail-in to date: 94
2008 total to date: 130

2 weeks til race day; registrations surge ahead of last year's rate; Dr. Rebecca Dunn becomes newest Mud Mountain sponsor

Dr. Rebecca Dunn, a dentist in Edwardsville, has become a new sponsor of Mud Mountain. Dr. Dunn's dental office is located on St. Louis street.

Meanwhile, yesterday the largest number of single-day entries so far (24) brought the race registration total for Mud Mountain XV to 163, well ahead of last year's entries on this date (136), and far ahead of 2008 (104). How many will sign up?

Here's the breakdown:

Entries yesterday: 24
2010 online entries: 73
2010 mail-in entries: 90
2010 total entries to date: 163

2009 online entries: 77
2009 mail-in entries 59
2009 total entries to date: 136
2009 final total: 684

2008 online to date: 31
2008 mail-in to date: 73
2008 total to date: 104
2008 final total: 567

15 days til race day; Green family to travel 1000s of miles from Virginia, New Orleans, Atlanta, and Alton for running reunion at Mud Mountain XV

The Green Family: (back row, left to right) Jessica Kempainen of Baton Rouge, LA, Patrick Green of New Orleans, Jenna Green of Atlanta, Adam and Allison (Green) Estrada of Arlington, VA. Front row: Chris and Jackie Green of Alton, with Yorkshire terrier Gunner, who will not be running Mud Mountain. Photo courtesy Jenna Green.

In two weeks, Jenna Green will travel from Atlanta to run Mud Mountain XV. Her brother Patrick will make the trip from New Orleans with Jessica Kempainen of Baton Rouge. Their sister Allison and her husband Adam will meet them at Mud Mountain all the way from Arlington, Virginia. For mom and dad--Jackie and Chris Green, the journey is much shorter - just a quick drive from Alton to the cross-country course at SIU Edwardsville.

All this traveling just to run in the St. Louis area's premiere cross-country 5K? Well, not exactly. Here's the story from Jenna Green:

"We're gathering in the St. Louis area the weekend of July 24th for the wedding of a family friend. Allison found the race online and suggested we sign up as a family. Our running experience ranges from novice (Jackie and Patrick's first race) to seasoned mid-distance runners (Adam and Allison completed the Cherry Blossom Festival 10 miler in April in Washington, DC, and Jessica has been running since 2006). We're all excited to run as a family and we'll meet you at Mud Mountain!"

How many runners are signed up so far? Here's the breakdown:

2010 online entries 64
2010 mail-in entries 75
2010 total to date 139

2009 online entries: 73
2009 mail-in entries 51
2009 total to date: 124
2008 total to date: 99

16 days til race day; entries total 123 to date; Metro Milers becomes newest Mud Mountain sponsor

Registrations for Mud Mountain XV remain ahead of last year's record pace, but just slightly. Meanwhile, Mud Mountain is proud to announce that Metro Milers, a St. Louis area running and walking club based in Edwardsville, has become a new race sponsor. Metro Milers mission is to promote
running, walking & fitness for individuals of all ages & abilities. The club organizes and hosts races, group runs,
training programs, and other fitness activities encouraging individuals to lead healthy lifestyles.

Club members meet for runs every Saturday at 7:00am at the YMCA in Edwardsville on Esic Dr for group runs. For an application to join the club, click here.

Here's the breakdown for Mud Mountain XV to date:

2010 online entries 55
2010 mail-in entries 68
2010 total to date 123

2009 online entries: 73
2009 mail-in entries 46
2009 total to date: 119
2008 total to date: 84

17 days til race day; in addition to race t-shirts for all runners, limited edition souvenir dri-fit shirts will be available for purchase on race day

Liz Speicher (top photo) and her sister Katie model the souvenir dri-fit t-shirts that will go on sale at Mud Mountain XV on July 24. The high quality shirts will be offered in various sizes for $25 on a first-come, first-served basis. A limited number of shirts will be available, so runners who get to the course early on race day to pick up their bib number, timing chip and race t-shirt will have the best chance of getting one of these Mud Mountain souvenirs.

18 days til race day; Mud Mountain entries total 109; oldest entrant so far 67 years-old, youngest age 3

Mud Mountain XV entries surged over the 4th of July weekend and now total 109 runners. That is ahead of last year's record pace, and far ahead of two years ago on this day, when 68 runners had signed up for Mud Mountain XIII.

So far, among the early entrants, the youngest runner registered is 3 (he will run the One Mile Fun Run), and the oldest runner is 67 (signed up for the 5K). Who is traveling the farthest to run Mud Mountain? Right now that honor belongs to Jenna Green, who lives in Atlanta.

Here's the breakdown:

2010 online entries 51
2010 mail-in entries 58
2010 total to date 109

2009 online entries: 63
2009 mail-in entries 42
2009 total to date: 105
2008 total to date: 68

19 days til race day; individual photos of all Mud Mountain XV runners will be available online

Tom Atwood Photography will offer finish line photos of all runners at Mud Mountain again this year. For samples and pricing, visit tomatwoodphotography.net and click on "Route 66 10K Photos."

20 days til race day; Happy 4th of July from Mud Mountain; entries now total 96, exceeding last year's record pace

Fireworks explode over the riverfront at East St. Louis last night. Photo/Tom Atwood

As of July 4, 96 runners have signed up for Mud Mountain XV. That puts race entries ahead of last year's pace, which set a record with 684 runners on race day. Here's the breakdown:

2010 online entries 43
2010 mail-in entries 53
2010 total to date 96

2009 online entries: 57
2009 mail-in entries 38
2009 total to date: 95

3 weeks til race day; entries gather steam, approach last year's record pace; total registrations to date: 90

With 21 days til the running of Mud Mountain XV, the pace of registrations is beginning to pick up. Sixteen entries were received yesterday, bringing the total to date to 90 runners, very close to last year's total on this date, the year a record was set for total entries (684). How many will run Mud Mountain 2010? Vote in the poll to the right.

Here's the breakdown to date:

2010 online entries 42
2010 mail-in entries 48
2010 total to date 90

2009 online entries: 55
2009 mail-in entries 38
2009 total to date: 93

22 days til race day; Mud Mountain XV t-shirts arrive, including souvenir dri-fits

Liz and Katie Speicher model the Official 2010 Mud Mountain t-shirts that all pre-registered runners will receive at Mud Mountain XV. Sign up now: register online or download a race entry form. Photo/Tom Atwood

Dr. Ed Hightower, District 7 Schools Superintendent, models the first dri-fit t-shirt to be offered at Mud Mountain. The special souvenir shirts will be available for sale at the SIUE course on race day for $25. Photo/Tom Atwood

23 days til race day; exclusive souvenir dri-fit t-shirt for Mud Mountain XV to be unveiled tomorrow; early race entries rise to 68

The first round of 2010 Mud Mountain t-shirts have arrived at Mud Mountain HQ and will be unveiled on Mud Mountain Countdown tomorrow. Also, for the first time we will offer a high-quality, dri-fit Mud Mountain t-shirt as a souvenir available for purchase at the course on race day. That souvenir t-shirt will also be unveiled here tomorrow. Stay tuned!

Here are the Mud Mountain XV totals to date:

2010 online entries 36
2010 mail-in entries 32
2010 total to date 68

2009 online entries 53
2009 mail-in entries 31
2009 total to date 84