Getting Dirty at the 2014 Rampage at the RAC Obstacle Course

Teams compete in perfect tandem at the Rampage at the RAC.
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By Kathryn Millhorn

Rock FitnessObstacles are something to be overcome and rarely is doing so much fun.  That all changes at the upcoming 2014 Rampage at the RAC.  On Saturday, October 11, Lacey’s Regional Athletic Complex will be transformed into a mammoth 5k course to be tackled directly—and muddily—by one and all.

Lacey Parks and Recreation Supervisor Jeannette Sieler says that “it is so much fun to watch the folks go careening down the giant slip and slide squealing like little kids or crawling through the ‘toxic trench’ which is full of green jello-like goo, or getting covered with mud in the giant mud pit, all the while laughing with their friends and having so much fun.  I think the beauty of this event is that it allows people to be crazy, silly, and get really dirty just for the fun of it!”

rampage at the rac
Getting muddy never felt so good at the Rampage at the RAC.

Sieler’s team will transform the park “to provide fun and exciting obstacles without doing any damage to the beautiful facility, the ballfields and soccer fields or causing undo risk.”  This is the fourth year for the Rampage and “it is modeled after the popular events going on around the country that involve adding obstacles and mud into a 5k run/walk.”

“Because the Rampage takes place in a developed park, and being offered by the city, ours is more tame, with the obstacles being more fun than difficult,” adds Sieler.
“Our theme ‘For people who know how to have fun!’ kind of sums up the event.”

Some of this year’s obstacles include the giant mud pit, sand hills, fallen trees, monkey bars, cargo nets for climbing, and balance beams.  Says Sieler, “some folks have used this as a wellness goal, to train for the event prior and then to finish successfully.  You can run or walk the course so it can be done by all types of people.  The event is not timed, but there are clocks at the finish line so you can see how fast you finished, but there are no prizes for fastest time, it’s all about having fun and finishing.  Each person receives a medal as they cross the finish line.”

rampage at the rac
Costumes are encouraged during the 2014 Rampage at the RAC obstacle course.

Local businesses and organizations sponsor the event, as well as provide supplies, obstacles, and in-person, on-site assistance.  From the beginning these have included the City of Lacey, the Lacey Fire Department, Ostrom’s, Tire Dogs, HD Fowler, Nisqually Auto Wrecking and Towing, and South Sound Physical and Hand Therapy.

This is the first year registration will continue until the day of the event.  There will be approximately 500 athletes competing in waves running every 30 minutes between 9:00 – 11:00 a.m.  Teams are made up of local businesses, families and friends of all ages, and club groups; arriving in costume is definitely encouraged.

One local team hails from Lacey’s Rock Fitness.  Master Trainer David London says his group will consist of their seven employees plus many dedicated gym members.  London and his staff make a point to be active in our region by participating in at least one fitness-related community event each month.  He is proud to be a local business leader “who can step up and contribute, encourage the youth, and be physically involved.”  Also a Lacey Parks and Recreation Little League baseball coach, he’s sure to run into former team members at the Rampage.

The event is $35 a person and you can find answers to frequently asked questions or videos of previous Rampages online.  Inquiries should be directed to Lacey Parks and Recreation at 360-491-0857.

When was the last time getting dirty was such fun?  Go enjoy our beautiful autumn weather with family, friends, and total strangers.  For once you’ll even enjoy a rainy, muddy Saturday outdoors.

 

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