For nearly four decades, the Kentucky Horse Park has hosted special events featuring the most physically fit equines in the world. On Saturday, June 13, for the first time, the Horse Park will host a special event featuring the most physically fit humans when the Great American Fitness Challenge presents a series of races and fitness events at the renowned facility.
Open to the general public, the Great American Fitness Challenge is a running and endurance series comprised of four separate races and designed for all condition levels. Created by BRAINBOX Intelligent Marketing from 15 years of fitness event experience across the country, and utilizing fitness aspects perfected in conjunction with the Navy SEALs, the Great American Fitness Challenge promises participants and spectators an amazing fitness experience and the chance to connect with the community of fitness in a new and engaging way.
“Our vision is to promote fitness for everyone with multiple races designed for those from beginner level to the everyday fitness enthusiasts, to America’s most fit in our elite events,” said Richard Ford, Chief Executive Officer of Lexington-based BrainBox Inc., creator of the event.
“We want to show the world our state embraces physical fitness and healthy lifestyles, as well as fast horses, basketball and beautiful countryside,” Ford continued. “Our slogan is ‘A Challenge for Everyone and Every One’s Invited,’ and we mean it. From families to top tier athletes, everyone is invited to participate, and have a great time doing it.”
In addition to the races, the day-long event will feature an Olympics-like atmosphere, with opening and closing ceremonies, awards presentations, and numerous booths and exhibits dedicated to health, wellness, nutrition and overall fitness in the Fitness Challenge Expo. And to add to the “Everyone” theme, there will be a Corporate Challenge Champion Trophy awarded to the company that tallies the best five scores of the day’s competition.
The four races include two on the “flat course”–a 5K and a 15K–and two run over the Park’s Steeplechase Course–the Open and Elite divisions. The Open and Elite races feature obstacles previously contested solely by equine athletes and their riders, and promise to be both entertaining and testing. Former Navy SEALs have been invited to “inspire” the elite competitors.
The 5K is the most inclusive of the events, inviting for families, beginners and everyday runners. Contested on pavement with a lap around the steeplechase section of the Horse Park’s cross country course, runners can test their speed, joggers can get a great workout, and families can walk the course while enjoying the Bluegrass countryside.
The 15K is a relaxing run for the marathon and half marathon runner and a great prep race for a 10K. This mid-distance event provides training to those readying for the Bluegrass 10,000 and the Kentucky half-Marathon. Situated on the picturesque nine-acre cross country course surrounding the Horse Park, runners will traverse the same scenic route and horse farms as the equine athletes.
The Open Division is for those who train regularly for their fitness factor. Athletes will navigate the three-mile steeplechase simple endurance course with eight horse jumps and eight exercise stations. The jumps will require balancing, climbing and jumping, while the exercise challenges will test core strength, endurance and overall fitness.
The Elite Division encompasses the entire cross country course, which has never been conquered by man. This timed event includes a 3.5 mile run on the steeplechase, 10 horse jumps–including The Moose, Five Foot Table Top, and Jump The River–and 10 strong man events set between the jumps, including Lumberjack Stack, Strong Man Sand Bag, and Aspire Ammo Carry. The competitive athlete will find a rewarding challenge for this unique fitness course.
Participants who register by May 8 will pay $30 for the 5K, $55 for the 15K, $55 for the Open Division and $75 for the Elite Division. Registration for the Fitness Challenge itself and for vendors is available on the website here.
From the Great American Fitness Challenge