Olive Branch, MS Outdoor Activities

Hanging rows of brightly painted decks from its walls decorated with colorful graffiti art, MG Boards Skate Shop outfits the local skating community with a variety of boards and apparel. Shoes from Emerica and Etnies keep feet firmly on the grip tape, and longboards facilitate quick urban transportation without the hassle of heavy rush-hour rollerblading. Dedicated to increasing awareness of skating's health benefits, the staff at MG Boards extend their passion to the entire Memphis community, from sponsoring the Down South Longboarding Group to participating in half-marathon races to benefit Habitat for Hope.

The LuvMud Benefit Event sends costumed sprinters charging and trudging along a 5K course riddled with mud, obstacles, and more mud in order to raise funds for Habitat for Hope, a nonprofit organization supporting the families of seriously ill children. Having grown each year since its inception in 2010, the annual race challenges individuals and teams to conquer tough terrain designed with varying levels of difficulty so as to accommodate participants of all fitness levels. Along the route, spectators gather to scout the action, and volunteers stand by to provide directions and tips, such as reminding racers not to eat any mud without sprinkling on a few blades of grass first.

After making it through the final, massive, 50-foot mud pit and crossing the finish line, finishers recharge their bionic legs with fruit, water, and snacks. Meanwhile, an all-day festival celebrates the occasion with live music and food vendors, and showering equipment supplied by the Memphis Fire Department cleans off any caked-on mud and sweat from the race. LuvMud also holds special races that allow participants’ dogs to join in the fun, as well as all-night camping events that include nighttime racing and live music.