The Adventure Race
Sept. 17 race challenged students with trail runs, swimming and agility exercises
While most would be more likely to enjoy sleeping in on a Saturday and recuperating from the school week, some Liberty students decided to test their athleticism in the Adventure Race held at Camp Hydaway on Sept. 17.
Held once a semester, the Adventure Race is not a typical footrace as it combines a 3-mile run, a 150-yard swim, log toss and a number of agility exercises, according to Ryan Saunders, one of the event’s managers.
DASH — Adventure Race participants sprinted off the starting line to complete a 3-mile run, a 150-yard swimming portion, a log toss and various agility exercises. Photo credit: Caroline Cummings
“We do about four to five races each semester, and this is the only race that incorporates something other than running,” Saunders said.
“In the past, they’ve had to run in and solve a puzzle or pull two pieces out of a Jenga stack.”
After paying the entrance fee and picking up their packet filled with the necessary materials for the race, more than 40 students came out to Camp Hydaway with different goals in mind.
For Khalil Karl, a first-year graduate student, participation meant competition and physical challenge.
“I signed up because I wanted to seize a chance to challenge myself and have fun doing it,” Karl said.
“I also would like to start taking on more events such as this.”
Karl, who has run in a couple of road races before signing up for this event, cited the hills as his most difficult portion of the race, and the trail run as the part that he enjoyed the most.
Freshman Hannah Quigg, who plans to compete in all of the Liberty Mountain Trail races with her friend Makena Bonheim, noted the additional benefits of the race, including a T-shirt included with the race fee.
While her favorite part was running through the trails as it “made the race feel like an adventure,” Quigg found the 150-yard swimming portion to be her toughest obstacle.
FINISH LINE — Participants received gift cards depending on their race standings. Photo credit: Caroline Cummings
“My legs and arms were extremely exhausted from sprinting up and down the mountainous hills, so during the swim I was barely moving through the water and could only think, ‘Just one more stroke,’” Quigg said.
After participants had sped through all of the different obstacles and trails, both Karl (24:25) and Quigg (29:38) came in first place in their respective categories, which were divided between males and females.
As a reward for the fastest participants, the top three finishers of each gender were given a choice of gift card for various eateries located near Liberty’s campus.
As the top finisher, Karl used his first-pick honor to snag a card to a restaurant that holds a special place in his heart.
“I chose the Chipotle gift card to complement my obsession,” Karl said.
Looking back on her experience, Quigg thoroughly enjoyed her time spent in the race, which was her first race to include a fitness test, log toss and swimming portion.
“The all-around experience was exhilarating,” Quigg said. “I loved the competition and also the encouraging atmosphere that the Liberty Outdoor Recreation created for the runners as, one-by-one, we crossed the finish line.”
Karl found the experience to be something which he needed to challenge himself and push him to his physical limits.
“It’s not the opportunity to compete against others,” Karl said. “It’s the opportunity to compete against yourself — to push through your pain. Overcoming weakness develops strength. Enduring pain produces peace. Breaking yourself down may be the best way to build yourself back up.”
For those looking to get in on the competition this semester, more races have been scheduled, including the 10th Annual Deep Hollow Half Marathon and 5k on Oct. 22 and the Costume 5k fun run on Oct. 31.
A full list of upcoming races can be found on the Student Activities website.
KLINKER is a feature reporter.