Are you a Warrior? Several Lipscomb students have decided to rise to the challenge to see if they are in fact like the Romans and can hang with the best of them.For the first time, the Warrior Dash, a race held on the most challenging and rugged terrain across the US, is coming to Manchester, Tenn.
The fiery pit that is the finish line. Credit: Elizabeth Forester
This race will take place on Saturday, but beware – the Warrior Dash is not a typical 5K. This 3.15 mile course is littered with insane obstacles from leaping over fire to crawling through mud and underneath barbed wire. Sound difficult yet? Add 19 different waves with up to 700 participants each and you have something called “controlled chaos.” Runners will not only be pushing themselves, they could be competing against over 13,000 runners.
Laura Stewart, a recent LU graduate from Mount Juliet, Tenn. plans on running with her sisters this weekend and says she’s pumped and ready to go.
“I’ve always wanted to try a run with obstacles, but I’m nervous about the barbed wire,” Stewart said. “This is hardcore!”
Jonathan Williams, a senior kinesiology major from Knoxville, Tenn. has been a runner all his life and ended up at Lipscomb thanks to a running scholarship for cross country and track. Williams says he has no worries whatsoever about the Warrior Dash.
Credit: Elizabeth Forester
“When I heard the Warrior Dash was coming to Tennessee for the first time in its history, I jumped at the challenge,” Williams said. “I have been running about 40 miles a week to stay in shape, but I haven’t trained specifically for it. I’m just ready to get out there, race, get a little dirty, and have a good time!”
Runners also have the chance to give back once the race is finished. Competitors are encouraged to donate their muddy and nearly ruined shoes to Green Sneakers once they finish. Green Sneakers collects shoes to either resell to a secondary market, usually ending up in developing countries or recycle as absorbance material and other products.
Runners receive a furry Viking helmet, a Warrior Dash shirt, and a custom medal. Survivors can also look forward to celebrating with music and food after the race.
Registration for this year’s race is already closed, but other states offer this racing series if you are interested in participating.
For more information, videos, or photos check out http://warriordash.com/info.php.