“There will be mud … there will be pain … can you handle it?”
The Canadian Cancer Society’s Wellington County Unit is hoping that, for many people, the answer to that question will be a resounding “yes.”
The society is hosting the first ever Wellington Warrior Challenge on the Cox Creek Cellars property south of Fergus on Oct. 20.
A Warrior Challenge is a five kilometre extreme survival race in which participants sludge through mud, crawl under logs, climb over obstacles, trek through water and generally do whatever it takes to get to the finish line.
This isn’t the typical charity run. It’s more like basic training.
“Wellington Warrior Challenge – Wellington’s extreme survival race is a perfect compliment to the Canadian Cancer Society and to Wellington County. It is a roller coaster ride of fun, excitement, camaraderie and physical and mental toughness that is anything but ordinary. Supporting this exciting and inspiring event strengthens a strong community of people striving to reach a common goal – to beat cancer and fight back,” states a post on the society’s website.
Participants can compete individually, but team participation is strongly encouraged, as camaraderie plays a big part in the experience.
“It’s not necessarily how fast you finish but that you finish,” the society states. “Like so many cancer patients, it’s the support of their family and friends that makes the difference in their battle with cancer.”
Warrior challenges and similar events, under names such as Tough Mudder or Spartan races, are part of the latest craze in extreme fitness/fun competitions. The difference with the Wellington Warrior Challenge is 100 per cent of the proceeds will go to toward the fight against cancer.
Funds raised will help:
– fund the most promising research projects in the country on all types of cancer;
– provide information services and support programs in the community; and
– advocate for public policy that prevent cancer and help those living with it.
Aime Banks, fundraising co-ordinator for the cancer society’s Wellington unit says extreme competitions like the warrior challenge are becoming increasingly popular.
“It’s something different than your average five or 10 or 20km run,” said Banks. “This just sort of steps it up a notch and appeals to a wider range of people.”
The success of a fundraising warrior challenge in the Niagara region last year prompted the local branch to give it a try.
“The first one in Niagara Falls was extremely successful,” said Banks, noting the event attracted about 350 participants and raised $86,000.
Banks says the Cox Creek venue is ideal for this type of competition.
“They have a huge area that’s all forest and trees and contains a lot of potential natural obstacles.”
In addition to the natural obstacles, volunteers are already working to create a variety of man-made ones, which will be set up at the site in time for the event.
Numerous teams have already registered and Banks said organizers are hoping to attract between 300 and 350 participants.
Funds are raised through registration fees and pledges.
Participants may register online at www.cancer.ca/wellingtonwarriorchallenge. Participants must be at least 16 years old and those under 18 require parental consent. The registration fee is $100 per person and tax receipts will be provided. Registration will be accepted up until event day. All participants will receive a Wellington Warrior Challenge T-shirt and medal, a sponsor swag bag and, of course, “bragging rights.”
Supporters may also contribute through the website by making pledges to an individual participant or team, or making a general donation.
Among those participating in the inaugural Wellington Warrior Challenge is Sara Orrell, a Guelph resident and volunteer with the Canadian Cancer Society.
She will be participating with a team of family members, including her husband Aaron Orrell, her sister Esther McConaghy and brother-in-law Allan Popazzi, her uncle Albrecht Weller of Toronto and cousin Christine Weller from Hanover.
Dubbed “Family Matters,” the team shares a very personal reason for getting involved.
“The Cancer Society is a cause that’s close to my heart. When I was 14 I lost my father to pancreatic cancer. It was a very short battle. They told us six months to a year and he was gone in six weeks,” said Orrell.
Esther McConaghy’s personal page on the Wellington Warrior Challenge website provides an illustration of the personal nature of the impact of cancer on a family.
“Twelve years ago, my dad became one of the millions, to lose their battle with cancer. Diagnosed with pancreatic cancer in August of 2001, he passed away on Oct. 1 of that same year. Twelve years later I still miss him, and am sad for my son who never had the chance to meet his grandfather,” she states, adding the team is challenging “family, friends and co-workers to pledge us in this event, so that one day loved ones are not lost to this disease.”
Entering their own teams in the event will be Orrell’s aunt, Tammy Weller and a cousin, Alex Weller, both of Hanover.
Family Matters has set a team fundraising goal of $5,000 and plans to work together to ensure a united front on the course.
“We have already decided we start as a team and finish as a team. If any one of us gets stuck, the rest of us will wait until we get it sorted out,” she said, adding she believes the supportive nature of Wellington County residents means, “I’m sure if anyone gets stuck there will be lots of people to help out.”
Orrell, who was a long-distance runner growing up and currently plays competitive soccer, is confident her group will be up to the challenge physically. She is looking forward to an enjoyable day on Oct. 20.
“It’s certainly going to be something fun, new and exciting for Wellington County – and sure to be a challenge.”
Spectators are welcome to attend the event. Banks notes that viewing stations will be set up at various areas around the course and some spectators may even get a chance to be part of a special “interactive obstacle” on the course.
The event will run from 10am to 6pm at Cox Creek Cellars, 7687 Wellington Road 22 (just off Highway 6).
Banks recommends participants bring a change of clothing and plan to stay for a social time after the challenge. The after-party will include refreshments from Wellington Brewery and Cox Creek Cellars and a barbecue. Music will be provided by local bands Those Two Idiots and All About Maggie.
“We’re hoping people will stay around and have a nice time and enjoy the camaraderie,” said Banks.
More information can be found at www.cancer.ca/wellingtonwarriorchallenge or on the event facebook site www.facebook.com/wellingtonwarriorchallenge.
