Swampathon and Mutt Run...

• 5K Run:- Run 3.1 Miles
• 1K Mutt Run:- 1K Mutt Run

What better way to enjoy the cool Fall weather and to see beautiful Fall foliage,  than to join in the Dismal Swamp Art Festival 5K run and 1K Mutt Run sponsored by Peace Frogs.   The run will take place on the historic Dismal Swamp Canal Trail.  Both runs will take place on the paved trail which will start at the visitors center and end at the artist encampment of the Annual Dismal Swamp Art Festival. 

This year will feature the first ever Mutt Run.  This is a 1K run in which participants will run with their dogs.    People must pay to enter the race but dogs are free.    Part of the entry fee will go to the Chesapeake SPCA to help protect and save dogs in the local area.   All dogs must be on a leash and owners are resposible for water and for the conduct and safety of their dogs. 

The start of the 5K will be 30 minutes before the Mutt Run.  The 5K will be a timed race and the top 3 finishers of each age group will be given awards.     

The location of the run is ideal.    The Refuge consists of 107,000 acres of forested wetlands surrounding Lake Drummond, a 3,100 acre natural lake located in the heart of the swamp. William Drummond, the first Governor of North Carolina (1663-1667), discovered the oval lake which still bears his name. Even though the average depth of the lake is only six feet, its unusually pure water is essential to the swamp’s survival. The amber-colored water is preserved by tannic acids from the bark of the juniper, gum and cypress trees, prohibiting growth of bacteria. Before the days of refrigeration, water from the Swamp was a highly prized commodity on sailing ships. It was put in kegs and would stay fresh a long time. People spoke of the magical qualities of the Swamp’s tea-colored water and how, if it were regularly drunk, it prevented illness and promoted long life.

Join us for a fantastic day in the park.   The event will occur rain or shine. 

Event details and schedule

The 5 K will start at 8:30am and the Mutt Run will start at 9:00am.   The start will be at the intersections of Cornland Road and the Dismal Swamp Canal Trail.   Parking is available along Cornland Road.  The race will follow the dismal swamp trail and will return to the visitor center parking lot which is at the northern end of the trail.   All Participants must bring an ID and a signed Waiver if they have not completed one on line.