There’s a new race series coming to Richmond (actually Pocahontas State Park in Chesterfield) this October 20th that RichmondOutside.com is proud to help promote. Sure, mud runs and the like are everywhere these days, but this one is different. This one is just for women. This is meant to be uncompetitive and fun — a day out with the girls.

Kevin Scharnek came up with the the idea for the Pretty Muddy mud/obstacle runs when his wife told him she had signed up for a similar one near their home in Milwaukee. She’d always been an athlete but he didn’t think a race like that — muddy, tough, but women-only only and not competitive — would be for her.

“She floored me,” said the entrepreneur. “I just never thought she would have done it. So, I thought to myself, how many other women are there out there that are just intimidated and don’t want to do any of these events.”

That was this time last year. This weekend in Chicago, the first Pretty Muddy race goes off. On October 20, it’s Richmond’s turn. The course in Pocahontas State Park will be 5k in length with mud pits and “architectural obstacles” to traverse and a finish line party with entertainment, music and drinks.

“It’s cool; its unique; it’s motivating,” Scharnek said. “We create an experience that really lives beyond the event itself.”

Back of the race t-shirt

And there’s good news for RichmondOutside.com readers. We’ll be teaming up with Pretty Muddy to give away two free race entries every Friday (starting this Friday) before the race. That’s a 70 value (for each ticket) for free! All you need to do is “like” RichmondOutside.com and Pretty Muddy on Facebook. Then send us an email — by clicking here — and you’ll be entered in this Friday’s raffle. Just make sure you include your email address, so we can get back with you if you win.

The weather will be great; the leaves will be changing; why not come out to Pocahontas on Oct. 20 and get a little dirty with your friends?