J.C. Bamford Excavators Limited, or JCB, is known for their loaders, excavators, skid steers and other get-the-job-done equipment. But since 2012, JCB’s North American Headquarters in Savannah is also known for their ability to build one heck of a fun mud run course. As they ask on the course registration page, “Really…who could build a better mud run course?” it’s hard not to agree.

Meg Albertson, Dealer Marketing Manager for JCB North America, says, “JCB’s decision to start a Mud Run was really a no-brainer. We wanted to do a fundraiser for The Lady Bamford Center for Early Childhood Development that was unique to the community and a lot of fun. Since JCB builds some of the toughest construction equipment in the world and move dirt for a living, it was easy to connect the dots and create a mud run. We have the equipment, the staff and the skill set to build a course like no one else, and it’s just been getting bigger and better each year!”

Bigger and better is right, with 2014’s event adding Dig the Ride—an all-terrain bike course complete with jumps, bridges and climbs that will challenge cyclists just as the mud run pushes runners. There are four classes for the ride: Youth (ages 13-17, 5 mile race), Novice (ages 17+, 5 mile race), Intermediate (ages 17+, 2 laps, 10 mile race), and Advanced (17+, 3 laps, 15 mile race).

“The ‘Dig the Ride’ element was added this year because innovation and thinking outside the box is the lifeblood of JCB. For example, we were the first company to develop and manufacture the world's safest skid steer with a side door. So, in that same vein of thought, we are always looking for bigger, better, more fun and interesting ways to get involved with and engage our surrounding communities. Since our campus is over 1,000 acres, we had plenty of room to build a new and challenging all-terrain bike course. And we realized that not everyone is as pumped to jump in the mud as we are. Plus, there’s a very active bike community here who would benefit from another course to ride. It’s a great way to expand the audience of the event and continue to raise money for The Lady Bamford Center,” says JCB North America Marketing Specialist Pam Veiock.

But whether you decide to participant in the mud run, bike race, or just come to cheer on people and enjoy the after party, there’s plenty of fun to be had. “You can expect a great, family friendly event that’s fun for the entire community! We have Domino Effect playing live and a lot of great food from Bojangles and other local sponsors. We’re very happy to say that one of our local breweries, Coastal Empire Beer Co., will be back with their Tybee Island Blond and Savannah Brown ales. And, we’ll have Corona, Corona Light, Coke products and another new local sponsor with ASI Tea!” Albertson says. And if getting muddy isn’t your thing, JCB is seeking volunteers, as “it takes an army to pull off an event this large, and we need all the hands we can get!” Albertson reveals

So what advice does JCB have for other companies that want to put on big events like this? “It’s more difficult than it looks, but it’s absolutely worthwhile—especially when it’s for a good cause. At JCB any time we can show people how unique our equipment is and put it to good use serving the community it’s an opportunity we will take. We hope that bringing people out to the JCB campus and showing off the proficiency of our equipment will help people who perhaps weren’t familiar with us and what we do become familiar with our brand, our equipment and our dedication to the community,” Albertson responds.

Registration closes at 3,000 participants, with the price increasing as the race date nears. Registrants are encouraged to pick up their race packet on Friday, June 19th between 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM at Fleet Feet Savannah, so on race day they can focus on duck taping their shoes at the Lowcountry Basement / Lowe’s tent and put on their costumes, since there is also a contest for best costume.

Visit www.jcbmudrun.com or www.digtheride.com for more information.

Cost: $55/Person for Mud Run 2 Person Teams; Military 2 Person Teams $50/Person; Dig the Ride only $50/Person; $10 for non-participants who want to enjoy the food and drink at the after party. Note: only service dogs allowed on-site.

Here’s just a few responses from participants from 2012 and 2013’s JCB Mud Run:

“Had a Blast and was sad to see the 4 mile marker, we didn't want it to be over yet. Loved and will do it again next year.”

“I had a GREAT time and love how well it was organized and wanted to say thank you for doing this for the community. You guys are amazing!!”

” Wow. Wow. Wow. It was the first time I had ever participated in an event like this. Running, Mud, Obstacles, and more Mud. -- Yes, I have mud burn. Half of my thumb nail is black with blood and sitting on my butt is like putting a puzzle together. It was a lot of fun though, and I would do it all over again tomorrow (if I could).”

“I appreciate the proceeds going to a local worthy cause. Awesome job. Shows that SAV has class act companies!”

“You guys totally rocked it out this year! AMAZING fun! My son loved it! We had such a great time and for such a wonderful cause! I can't say enough how awesome it was this year! Thank you!”