GADSDEN, AL---June 9, 2016---GADSDEN’S EXTREME OBSTACLE RACE PUSHES PARTICIPANTS TO THE LIMIT
Gadsden, Ala. – Thrill-seeking athletes who are not afraid of getting muddy, wet, or pushed to the limit will be taking part in Gadsden’s Barbarian Challenge- a 6-mile obstacle course run through Noccalula Falls Park. With a motto of “Fear Is Not An Option,” over 1,200 participants are already registered to participate in the sixth-annual extreme competition set for June 18, 2016. Registration is still open at www.barbarianchallenge.com until midnight, June 12. After that, registration can be done at the packet pick-up party on June 17 and on the day of the event, though the cost is higher at both those times than it is right now.
The course consists of over 25 natural and man-made obstacles up and down Lookout Mountain including rope climbs, mud pits, creek crossings, and hill climbs. Some obstacles have names like the Weaver, the Sternum Checker, or Cal’s Cliff. Costumes of all kinds are encouraged.
The Barbarian Challenge is for those 12 and older and participants can compete individually or as a team. Anyone under the age of 15 must have their parent or guardian present to sign a consent waiver and run with them. In addition to the race, there will be music and food vendors selling barbarian-inspired food.
Race or “horde” times are at 8:00 a.m., 8:20 a.m. 8:40 a.m., 9:20 a.m., 9:40 a.m., and 10:00 a.m. and are held rain or shine. All finishers receive a Barbarian medal. The overall female and male winner from the 8:00 a.m. horde will receive the coveted “Conan the Barbarian” sword engraved with authentic runes. Age category winners will be selected from the fastest overall in all the hordes. Teams also win awards in three categories.
New for this year is the “Kid’s Barbarian Challenge” competition, sponsored by The Factory. Proceeds from this race benefit the Coosa Valley YMCA summer programs. The race is open to kids 5-12 years old and will feature 10-15 obstacles over a 1-mile course. Finishers receive a medal and early registrants will also receive a t-shirt and goody bag.
The Awards Ceremony will start at approximately 1 p.m. Shuttles will be available from nearby parking areas at Mitchell Elementary and Bellevue Church and the event is free to spectators.
On Friday, June 17th, a Packet Pick-up Party will be held from 5-8 p.m. at Back Forty Beer Company. Participants can pick up their race packets, visit with other competitors, and purchase craft beer and food. A special Barbarian Challenge growler has been created by Back Forty and will be on sale.
The Barbarian Challenge is hosted by the City of Gadsden Parks and Recreation Department and is presented by Greater Gadsden Area Tourism.
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Additional contacts:
Christina Richardson, City of Gadsden Parks and Recreation, 256-504-8481
