Registration open for more mud, more pain – Grapes of Wrath III
Administrator | May 10, 2016 | Comments 0
There will still be mud, there will be more pain and participants will never be the same. Can you and your team handle it?
Registration is now open for the third annual Grapes of Wrath Stomp and Romp Survival Race hosted at Hillier Creek Estates Winery. Competitors are encouraged to secure their spots at the starting line prior to Tuesday, May 31 in order to register at an early-bird discounted rate.
The Canadian Cancer Society, Prince Edward County Memorial Hospital Foundation and Trenton Memorial Hospital Foundation have partnered once again, to present the Grapes of Wrath, a harrowing five-kilometre run complete with daunting obstacles sure to test your ability to have fun in the face of adversity. Moving back into September, this year’s race is set for Saturday, Sept. 10.
Since its inception in 2014, the course has grown to include more than 20 gruelling obstacles designed by Canadian military volunteers, firefighters and a volunteer contractor and has challenged the strength, agility and stamina of more than 720 participants as they ran under and through grapevines and splashed through the winery’s namesake creek. To date, Grapes of Wrath has raised more than $120,000 for cancer services in the area.
This year, with the announcement of Scotiabank as the title sponsor, more daunting obstacles are to be added to the race in order to further challenge those who dare to push their personal and physical limits whilst fundraising.
“It is through the generosity of our corporate sponsors that we are able to maximize revenues and bring you all a challenging, safe and fun course with over 20 obstacles,” said Briar Boyce, communications co-ordinator with the PECMH Foundation. “As well, obstacles we have planned for September 10’s race would not be possible without the truck loads of building supplies generously donated by Picton Home Hardware and Vanderlaan Building Products Ltd. These two businesses have been contributing materials for the race since our inception and we are so proud to say our obstacle supplies are sourced locally!”
The early bird registration fee has been set at $75 per participant, valid until May 31, 2016. After that date, registration will increase to $100 per participant. The race is open to individuals or teams of up to 20 and new registrations are already coming in every day.
In an effort to bring Grapes of Wrath to a whole new demographic, youth aged 14-17 on race day will be invited to enter a team and have been offered an early bird rate of $55 per participant until May 31. Youth teams will have to have an adult accompany them and a parent/guardian sign off on their registration.
“This race provides a perfect blend of camaraderie and charitable spirit as challengers come together to participate in this fun and inspiring event,” said Amy Doyle, manager of the local Cancer Society office. “Participants collect pledges knowing that their donations help local cancer patients in our communities by funding much-needed medical equipment for our hospitals, research to improve treatments and save lives, and local services such as peer support and free rides to treatment for patients.”
Obstacle runs are about personal accomplishment and teamwork.
“In 2015, with obstacles such as a 14-foot wall climb, monkey bars and a culvert crawl, we saw competitors rely on each other to get up, over and through and make it to the finish line together,” said Kemp Stewart, proprietor of Hillier Creek Estates Winery.
Competitors must be 14 years or older on race day (Sept. 10, 2016) to be eligible to run. All participants are encouraged to raise $150 in pledges and challenge other businesses, high schools and sport teams to compete against them.
Racers will receive a dry-fit t-shirt and upon completion of the race, dog tags. More information and registration links can be found by visiting the website, www.cancer.ca/grapesofwrathPEC or on Facebook, https://www.facebook.com/GrapesofWrathCountyRace
For those who are interested, but may not wish to participate, there are volunteer openings available. There are also sponsorship opportunities offered for interested businesses.
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