Runner Sues Virginia Race Organizers Over Accident

A runner is suing organizers of the Filthy 5K Mud Run in Richmond, Va., over an accident during the 2010 race that that left him partially paralyzed.

Robert A. Fecteau II’s lawsuit seeks $30 million in damages. It was refiled in Richmond Circuit Court last week after originally being filed in Arlington County.

The lawsuit says runners were required to crawl through a shallow mud pit near the finish line. Fecteau was fatigued and weakened when he reached the pit and jammed his hands and arms as he went down to crawl through it.

Fecteau’s lawyer, John C. Shea, tells The Richmond Times-Dispatch his client is partially paralyzed from the chest down and has minimal use of his arms.

The defendants’ lawyer, Stanley P. Wellman, says the suit has no merit.