When MentorKids Kentucky board member Digger Phelps presented the idea of hosting a rugged race at Diamond Lake several months ago, his vision was well received.
“We are always looking to do something to further our mission and get the community involved,” said MentorKids Executive Director Berly Tillman Sullivan.
According to Sullivan, many of the children who are a part of MentorKids are raised in non-traditional homes by grandparents, aunts, uncles and cousins. Part of the mission of MentorKids is to stand in the gap and be a positive influence in children’s lives when sometimes both parents are absent in the household. Creating a way to connect the community to a great cause is an objective that will be met through their upcoming event.
The MentorKids Rugged Race presented by Independence Bank will be coming to Diamond Lake on Aug. 10. This unique event will offer a spin on traditional 5K races through the use of challenging obstacles and the option to compete individually or as a team.
Owensboro resident Kurt Hoffman was among those who got a chance to test a few of the obstacles. The Rugged Race is going to be a win-win, he said, by supporting MentorKids and practicing teamwork.
“Working as a team can help everybody through the course. This isn’t just a race if you don’t want it to be; it’s an event to work together,” Hoffman said. “It’s a lot like life; we need each other to help us.”
One goal of this race is to create a unique experience for the participants. Local real estate agent Jereme Willner is helping with the design of the course. Willner has completed various obstacle course races and has chosen to include the same aspects he would be looking for in a challenging race. Using his experience, he’s created the course alongside Brian Smith, the owner of Diamond Lake.
“I just wish I could see the reactions when people see how fun and difficult some obstacles will be,” Willner said. “Being a local race, I hope to get folks more into obstacle course racing.”
MentorKids Rugged Race has planned a test run for July 27 that Willner will run with a few other participants who get to try out the course. According to Zach Lake, marketing and recruitment coordinator for MentorKids, they will make any changes that need to be made after the test run to prepare for the final race.
For those interested in volunteering, there is still a great need for course workers alongside each of the obstacles. Sydni Saalwaechter, recruitment and programming coordinator for MentorKids, says being a volunteer is a unique and fun way to take in a different view of the race. From getting to cheer on the racers, to the opportunity to see up close and personal what is going to happen at each of the obstacles, helping at this event is a great way to support the mission.
“Volunteers will be right in the middle of everything that’s happening. Even if they can’t participate in the race itself, they can still be a part of the great cause by volunteering,” Saalwaechter said.
Beyond the 26 obstacles, is a reminder to the community of what MentorKids stands for. While hay bales, mud pits and army grade military climbing walls will provide participants with a great physical challenge, the real obstacles that MentorKids hopes to bring awareness to are children who desperately need positive role models in their lives.
“I have been impacted by getting to see how much the mentors pour into the kids and how their lives change just by being with them for an hour a week,” Saalwaechter said.
For more information about MentorKids and to sign up for the race visit their website.
