The staff at MentorKids Kentucky (MKK) has come up with some pretty creative ideas in the past in order to raise funds — whether it has been asking for the biggest names in guest speakers, or encouraging others to go “Over the Edge” from the roof of the Hampton Inn after raising $1,000 per person. The organization seems to be willing to do whatever it takes to ensure that the resources are available for the waiting list of Daviess County children and the Christian adults who hope to make a difference in their lives by serving as mentors.
The latest event, the MKK Rugged Race presented by Independence Bank, is a Tough Mudder-style endurance event that promises to offer a little something for everyone from the toughest competitor to the most laid back participant. The race will be held on Saturday, July 27 at Diamond Lake Resort with registration opening Friday, May 3 and ending July 26.
MentorKids Kentucky Executive Director Berly Sullivan said she is hoping to have at least 300 participants at the event.
“We put the teaser out there [at the MentorKids banquet] and the response was overwhelming, so we did our sign up sooner than expected,” Sullivan said, adding that she and her staff opted to build the race first before acquiring all of their sponsors.
Sullivan said several sponsorship opportunities are still available for those individuals and businesses wishing to support the organization.
When asked if the success of the Wendell Foster Half Marathon had served as inspiration at all, Sullivan spoke of how powerful community support can be.
“I think that’s the great thing around Owensboro, is the community just rallies around all the nonprofits,” Sullivan said. “I think Wendell Foster set a high bar with a great race. But a half marathon, it’s a completely different race, a completely different training and a completely different mindset.”
The 3-mile-long Rugged Race obstacle courses will include a varied combination of lakes, monkey bars, hay bail, rope climb, tires, an Army crawl, military-style climbing walls and various areas filled with mud throughout the course.
The event is made up of three different categories, Elite Rugged, Ultimate Rugged and Just Rugged.
The Elite Rugged category was created for the serious competitor that came to win. Awards will be given for the elite top three finishers in each age division(s) and teams as well as Elite Rugged overall Male, Elite Rugged overall Female and Elite Rugged overall Team.
The Ultimate Rugged category is for those participants that want to race while raising money for MentorKids. Awards will be given for best time, plus most money raised for MentorKids Kentucky. Awards consist of Ultimate Rugged Male, Ultimate Rugged Female and Ultimate Rugged Team.
The Just Rugged was designed for those who want to have a fun experience and enjoy the course. Awards will be given in each category, as well as Just Rugged Male, Just Rugged Female and Just Rugged Team.
All Rugged Racers who complete the course will receive a medal and shirt.
The cost for individual and team racers prior to May 17 is Elite – $45.00, Ultimate – $45.00 and Just Rugged – $40.00.
For a complete list of pricing, rules and to register for the Rugged Race, visit the MentorKids Kentucky website here.
