Dirty Devils: Brig. Gen. Coglianese Joins Troops, Civilians at Mud Run

Story by Ken Stone and photos by Chris Stone

How often do you get to splatter mud on a Marine brigadier general and get away with it?  As often as he does the World Famous Mud Run.

That was the case again Saturday when Camp Pendleton base commander Vincent Coglianese was among 26,000 civilians and military personnel taking part in the 20th annual mud run, contested over three June weekends ending June 15.

With prices ranging from $100 to $215 (VIP Gold level), and $5 for parking, entrants were guaranteed a filthy good time. On top of that, a pile of muddy shoes grew for eventual donation in the race, which also benefited Marine programs.

A horse unit led the first wave of runners at the start of the 10-kilometer (6.2-mile) run on roads, dirt trails, over obstacles and up and down a steep hill—ending with a 30-foot pit where Marine volunteers in red shirts urged anyone not completely soiled to take a final swan dive into the mud.

Brig. Gen. Coglianese had just one order for the runners: "Have fun today.”

Sir, mission accomplished, sir.