The 2015 Chattanooga Mud Run, which was a fundraiser for Habitat for Humanity, will be the final mud run.
David Butler, Habitat executive director, said, "Now that the mud has fully settled from the 2015 Chattanooga Mud Run, and we have reviewed everything, Habitat has had to make a decision.
"There will be no 2016 Chattanooga Mud Run.
"As long term friends and supporters of this event we want to give you an honest explanation as to why.
"Since its beginning, the Chattanooga Mud Run’s purpose has been to raise funds for the work of Habitat for Humanity of Greater Chattanooga Area.
"As the run has grown, costs, staff time, and impact on our overall program have increased while the benefit to our mission has decreased.
"As we reviewed last August’s event, it became clear that a decision was in order:
- Our runner count was down dramatically last year.
- Insurance, if we could find it, would be more expensive than ever for 2016.
- Putting things back right at Greenway Farms gets more challenging after each run.
- Heavy equipment costs have spiraled.
- The benefit to our program was too small to justify the time, funds and energy needed to put on a quality event.
"We have made many friends and had many great times with the Chattanooga Mud Run over the years, and are sad to see it go, but as stewards of community resources, we must find more effective/ less cost intensive ways to support our mission.
"On behalf of everyone at Habitat for Humanity of Greater Chattanooga Area, and especially the families served with support from the Mud Run, thank you to all of you who have supported this event as individuals, as part of a team, sponsors, volunteers, or on staff with Habitat.
"While the Chattanooga Mud Run is going away, we hope that you will continue to help support our work in one of the following ways:
"- Join us for our 30th Anniversary Gala
"Please consider joining us on April 8 for our 30th Anniversary Gala.
Fortunately there won’t be any mud, but there will be inspiration, dinner, dancing, and the opportunity to support Habitat without needing a hose down with a firehouse! - individual tickets, and tables for 8 available – visit www.habichatt.org
" - Make an Online Donation
Donate what you would have paid to register as a runner or as a team. Secure online giving options are available at www.habichatt.org
"- including via credit card and e-checks – options for repeat/ scheduled giving are also available.
"- Donate/ Shop at the ReStore
The ReStore gives goods donated by people like you a 2nd chance, while raising support for Habitat’s work. Check us out online at www.chattanoogarestore.org
"or stop by – 9-5 Monday to Friday and 9 -4 Saturdays at 1150 East 14th Street in Chattanooga. Call 634-1004 for donation pick up.
"- Do a Team Build or Sponsor a Home
Did you company sponsor a couple teams? Why not consider doing a Habitat Team Build Day or sponsorship of a home? Jobsites are a different sort of challenge, but are often pretty muddy, and require lots of team work! Give Dominique Brandt a call at 423-756-0507 or email her at dbrandt@habichatt.org for more details.
"Thank you again for your support of the Chattanooga Mud Run and Habitat for Humanity of Greater Chattanooga Area."