Nestled in the woods of Kemp is a motocross park ran by one of the nations top track builders. This Saturday, March 2nd, Underground MX in Kemp will host an event that will challenge all ages.
The motocross park will be transformed into a crazy obstacle course and mud run as it hosts the B.A.D. Obstacle Course Challenge and Adventure Run. The race will be a 4.4 mile course laid out on 75 acres and will include unconventional, but achievable obstacles that will be fun for adults and kids of all ages.
The B.A.D. race will benefit Autism Speaks, an organization dedicated to funding global biomedical research into the causes, prevention, treatments, and cure for autism.
"We are taking a different approach to the words 'personal challenge.' Run, jog, walk or crawl, it is up to you, as our course design will have all the elements you would expect in a challenge like this, and then some that you may not," said Grant Reeves, CEO of the Ohio promotion company responsible for the B.A.D. Race.
Adventure races and mud runs have become popular nationwide. Such as the Tough Mudder event. In June EOD member Eric Johnson will run a 12 mile mud run as part of the Virginia Beach 'Tough Mudder' obstacle course. As if 12 miles of running through mud wasn't enough Eric is doing it all in an 80 pound bomb suit. Though not affiliated with this event it shows how mud runs are becoming popular events.
Expect to face mud pits, hurdles and wet areas but also hill climbs and existing landscape features already provided by the motocross track.
Racers will be able to compete individually but are also encouraged to participate as teams. Racers will be sent in waves according to their age group. The Recreation Division is for anyone looking for a personal challenge, geared for those not specifically trained in obstacle course challenges or mud runs. The elite division is geared for those in excellent physical condition who are looking for a race that raises the bar. All competitors will be chip-timed, and Reeves says that regardless of the division selected, each racer will be placed within one of the following competitive age categories:
- Teenage (14-19)
- 20-29
- 30-39
- 40-49
- 50-59
- 60-69
- 70 & Older
A division for youth ages 4-13 will also be available. Youth in this division can compete in a Mini B.A.D. Challenge.
The event will feature a festival atmosphere for those not racing and cheering will be encouraged along the course as racers move from obstacle to obstacle. After the races complete, the party begins at Underground MX with a post-race Bonfire Bash. Food vendors, a beer garden, live entertainment, prizes and award ceremonies will be part of the post-race festivities.
Owner Randy Poulter hopes the event will raise both money and public awareness about autism and its effects on individuals, families, and society.
Randy is looking forward to helping build the obstacle course.
Poulter said:
I build race tracks for a living, but creating something for people to run on is a really fun challenge. We're also excited about welcoming a whole different crowd to our track. If you are not involved in motocross racing, chances are you've never been here. It's a cool place and we're looking forward to hosting a variety of different concerts, festivals and events that attract people from Shreveport to Dallas.
In May 2013 the Underground MX Park will host the East Texas Games, which will feature silly competitions based loosely on the famous Redneck Games. Below is a video of some motocross practice taking place at Underground MX in 2011.
The Kemp B.A.D. Race is the first in a 2013 schedule that includes races in Georgia, Maryland, Nevada, New Jersey, Michigan, Illinois and Ohio. Races will also be held in select cities worldwide in Canada, the UK and Australia.
Advance registration is required. Please click here for more information.
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