By Chester Robards,Shavaughn Moss Guardian Lifestyles Editor
Copyright thenassauguardian
From an obstacle course run (OCR) that featured a little more than 12 obstacles over three miles, in its 10th year, Chickcharney Challenge features 20 obstacles over the same distance. It will also include new obstacles – a 12-foot warped wall (known from American Ninja Warrior), the water balance, laser shooting, and the cliffhanger wall.
The new features will be combined with returning fun challenges like the ax throw and spear throw, according to Chester Robards, Chickcharney Challenge proprietor. They are also introducing a 1.5K children’s run for the three-to-seven-year-old set; and a “LITE” course for first-timers featuring 10 handpicked obstacles perfect for people new to OCR; as well as a tour-de-course for people who register and run the challenge with him and the course designers.
“We think we have finally built a well-rounded, tough, but fun course,” said Robards.
“I designed the tour-de-course because we often hear people say they want to do the course but don’t have anyone to do it with. This year we’ll be one big crew doing it together, while I give tips and show how to best the obstacles.”
In previous years, Chickcharney Challenge, wound their obstacles through Clifton Heritage Park’s bushes or Nassau’s city streets; this year, the challenge takes place at Fusion Superplex, allowing runners to experience obstacles near Lake Cunningham for the first time.
Robards said with the additional obstacles, Chickcharney Challenge can be considered an internationally recognized course that can be a qualifier for regional and global championships.
“With 20 obstacles across three miles this year, we have grown to include many of the staple obstacles of international competitions because that is where we aim to go,” he said.
Robards said he would like to see OCR eventually be part of schools’ physical education curriculum, and another avenue for Bahamian athletes who may not have found their niche in other places.
The 10th edition of Chickcharney Challenge takes place on Saturday, September 27 at 6:30 a.m.; registration closes on Friday, September 26 at 12 midnight.
