Stretching their muscles and their brains, locals are in training for the biggest obstacle course of the year, with the Toughen Up Challenge set to kick off next week.
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Committee secretary Lynn Lennon said the event was an excellent way to exercise while raising funds for the Inverell Volunteer Rescue Squad (VRA) and Inverell East Rotary Club.
“A lot of us are used to going to the gym or going on a long run, whereas this is getting dirty, having fun with your mates and exercising at the same time without even really realising that you’re working out,” she said.
“One of the goals we had from the get go is we didn’t want to make it just for elite athletes, we wanted it to be doable by everybody – from someone who just wants to have a bit of fun and mess around with their mates, to those who are really serious and want to pace themselves against the clock.”
With around 100 volunteers needed to keep the huge event going, organisers are still looking for locals willing to give up their time to help out on the Saturday.
“Without volunteers, our event doesn’t happen,” Lynn said. She said even if volunteers only had two or three hours spare, organisers would appreciate the help.
The funds raised on the day will help the VRA purchase a much-needed winch.
“They receive very little funding from state or federal government, so we figured a winch was the least we could do,” Lynn said.
Inverell East Rotary are looking at purchasing an all terrain vehicle that everybody can use, including people with wheelchairs. “We’re really about our event being inclusive and that those with disabilities are involved in every aspect of the event,” Lynn said.
Juniors (aged 5-13 years) will take on the challenge at 5pm on at Rugby Park on Friday, March 10, while the seniors confront the course on 10am on Saturday, March 11.
Working their way through a course filled with tire flipping, a balance beam, a three legged race and, of course, the mud pit, seniors will also have to solve a puzzle half way through their 6km run. The juniors will run a slightly modified course which keeps them in Rugby Park.
The 6km run will be full of challenges for the seniors. They will run down toward Brissett Street, under the Ring Street bridge, behind Kamilaroi Oval and under the suspension bridge before making their way through Davy Park, across the main bridge and to Campbell Park. There they will take on the sand bag carry and run to the back of Big W, where they will have to complete a puzzle. They will then go to the pool for a swim leg before heading back to Rugby Park.
Lynn said many loved the route through some of Inverell’s most iconic areas. Residents on O’Connor and George Street often set out sprinklers and water stations to help cool down the runners. “People come back and say it’s just an amazing route because all along it, they’ve got people cheering them along,” Lynn said.
To volunteer, call Lynn on 0417788673.