cart

Sports Backers Blog

Henricus Mudstock is Family Affair for Mother-Son Duo

By: Shihan Wijeyeratne


Samantha Hassenfratz kept telling herself that she couldn’t run.

Sure, the idea of crossing the finish line appealed to Samantha, but the thought of actually running a race scared her. But, through a fitness challenge program at her local gym, she signed up for a 5k, spent a few months training, and gradually worked up the confidence to take on a race. Her only goal for her first event was to run the whole thing – and when she accomplished that, a running fanatic was born.

Just a few years later in 2013, Samantha completed a whopping 61 races including the Anthem Richmond Marathon and other events ranging in distance from a 10k to a half marathon. Running has become a part of her daily routine, and her eight-year-old son Nolan is following—literally and figuratively—in her footsteps.

“We train together several times a week! He likes it some days more than others, but he always motivates himself to get out the door,” says Samantha as she talks about their weekly training schedule. And now they plan to run events together as well, and the first-annual Henricus Mudstock on June 28 at Henricus Historical Park in Chester is next on their calendar. A 5k mud run through Henricus Park and Dutch Gap, Mudstock brings the spirit of the ‘60s and Woodstock and throws in some exciting themed stations along the route, then finishes up with a rockin’ post-race festival with food, drinks, music, yard games and fun, all overlooking the James River.

Samantha and Nolan enjoy leading an active lifestyle together, and that has helped as they get ready for Mudstock. When asked about how Nolan finds the motivation to run, something pretty uncommon in kids his age, Samantha responds: “I don’t know, he’s just way cooler than I ever was at his age!”

While Samantha has participated in several mud runs before, Henricus Mudstock is perfect for her and Nolan because it’s geared towards participants of all ages, skills, and abilities, without any punishing obstacles or challenges. Samantha was excited when she saw that Nolan could participate, with the 6:00pm start time being another aspect they’re looking forward to. “Since it’s an evening event,” Samantha said, “Nolan will probably be able to stay up past his usual bedtime!”

Henricus Mudstock foregoes the obstacle course that is included in most mud runs, and instead has themed stations along the 5k course that the runners will pass through on their way to the finish line. The themes included ‘Twist and Shout,’ ‘Dazed and Confused,’ and ‘Stoked and Soaked,’ to go along with the ‘Peace, Love, and Mud’ pit awaiting all participants at the finish line.

They are looking forward to visiting Henricus and seeing all the themed stations along the way, and Nolan is especially excited for the mud at the finish line. “He really likes the idea of a mud run,” Samantha said. “He can get dirty and he knows I’ll be okay with it!”

Registration for the first-annual Henricus Mudstock is available online at www.sportsbackers.org until 11:59pm on June 26th. Walk-up registration will also be available on site at Henricus Historical Park on race day.

Leave a Reply