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Roland Prenzler will attempt to make Mud Mountain history when local runners return to the SIUE cross country course July 25.
Prenzler has won the annual 5K three consecutive years and can match Stephen Pifer’s event record of four championships.
The race, which raises money for the Edwardsville school district’s high school and middle school track and cross country programs, will begin at 8 a.m. and be followed by a one-mile fun run.
“This event was started 31 years ago by Jim Price as a way to raise some money for the cross country program. Through the years, it has grown to different levels of participation and support,” race director and Edwardsville High School cross country coach George Patrylak said.
“We’ve increased the number of schools and programs covered by the booster club. It’s also a great opportunity for local runners to get off the pavement and race once a year on a good cross country course.”
This will be the 30th year the race has been held at the SIUE cross country course. Due to COVID, the race was limited to virtual in 2020 with runners going out on their own and posting their times.
For the third consecutive year, the event has generated more than $20,000 in community sponsorships.
“We are very blessed to have the support from the community that we have,” Patrylak said.
The race is held on the course used by the SIUE Cougars and Edwardsville Tigers during their cross country seasons. Although portions of the course have changed during Mud Mountain’s history, its middle mile continues to test runners.
“Some parts of the course have changed through the years, so it’s not as daunting as it once was. But the middle schoolers quickly figure out that the first and last miles are the easiest. That middle mile is a little tougher than they realize,” Patrylak said.
“It’s a true cross country course. It gives people a change of scenery and a different challenge from their normal running routines.”
Prenzler became the first male runner in Mud Mountain history to win three consecutive championships when he finished last year’s race in 16:25.4.
His third victory moved him into second place on the event’s career list. Pifer won in 2001, 2002, 2004 and 2006.
“There are a couple of other runners who graduated recently or within the last few years who are hoping to challenge him,” Patrylak said
“Roland is still putting in the miles and running with some of the guys. He doesn’t have the commitment of working with a college program this year, but he’s still getting after it. Roland will want to defend that title.”
Christy Shank was last year’s top female finisher with a time of 19:31.2.
The one-mile fun run that follows the 5K is one of Patrylak’s favorite parts of the event.
“Some of my best memories are of my own kids getting out there at a young age and having that opportunity. I’m a big believer in kids challenging themselves at that age. They get a chance to earn a medal and enjoy the experience,” Patrylak said.
For Patrylak, the fun run also provides an early look at children who may eventually compete for his high school program and later return to Mud Mountain as alumni.
“As a coach, it’s fun to see those kids later when they’re in high school and remember watching them run when they were younger. It’s exciting to see them grow. Sometimes that passion starts with parents giving them those opportunities,” Patrylak said.
Patrylak hopes the event draws close to 250 runners and expects registrations to increase during race week.
Registration for either the 5K or one-mile fun run costs $20 for children 11 and younger, $30 for runners ages 12 to 18 and $35 for runners older than 18. The cost is $30 for teams of four to seven runners.
Participants can register through the Mud Mountain 5K Facebook page or by searching for the event on active.com.
Runners must park in the designated lot on University Drive on the SIUE campus. Buses will shuttle participants from the lot to the cross country course. Only vehicles with handicap plates will be permitted to park at the course.
Runners and spectators also may reach the course by taking the one-mile trail to Mud Mountain.
T-shirts and race bibs can be picked up from 8 a.m. to 10 p.m. July 24 at The Cyclery and Fitness Center, 2472 Troy Road in Edwardsville.
