Submitted A mud run was held at the fairgrounds in 2011. Today’s run benefits the Pierce County Fair.

Area residents will have the opportunity to see a dirty, yet fun auto race this afternoon in the form of a mud run.

Sponsored by the Pierce County Fair Association and put on by James River Valley Offroaders, a mud run is “a drag race for souped-up pickups,” as fair board president Don Jelsing put it Participants will race – in a timed event – in two muddy trenches dug into land east of the Pierce County Fairgrounds. James River Valley Offroaders will provide technicians for the racers, as well as ground rules, a lighting system and timers.

Jelsing said a lot went into the new track.

“B&J Excavating has been a major part of the development of the track,” Jelsing said. “Without a pit crew, you can’t have a race. Without them (and their equipment and their support), you don’t have a track to race on.”

Originally the mud runs were supposed to take place during the 2014 fair. Jelsing said there was a scheduling conflict with it and stock car racing.

For drivers wanting to participate in today’s mud runs, there is a $25 entry fee. Pre-registration is not required. Cash prizes will be awarded to the winners, based on how many drivers compete. Drivers participating in the race, who need to have their trucks checked by a technician, should be at the fairgrounds by 11 a.m.

Admission into the event is $10 for adults, $5 for youth. All monies raised will go toward the operation of the 2015 Pierce County Fair. 3rd Street Station will provide concessions and a beer garden. The races start at 1 p.m.