Followers of extreme sports in the country will now have a chance to experience the sporting world's newest trend first-hand when the inaugural Chickcharney Challenge comes to Clifton Heritage Park next month.
The challenge is set for a 7 a.m. start on Sunday February 8, and is open to all participants 17 years and older. The event will be the first obstacle course challenge of this kind in The Bahamas, and will feature more than 15 obstacles over a three-mile course.
A portion of the proceeds will be donated to The Bahamas National Council for Diabetes. Although obstacle running has been around since 1987, it has never been as popular as it is right now.
Event coordinator Chester Robards said that the idea to host the race came from his past experiences with similar events.
"The idea for the race came from competing in the 'Tough Mudder' competition," he said. "It's a great outdoor activity and people are not spending enough time outdoors doing both fun and challenging activities."
Some of the featured obstacles in this year's race include 'The Ripped Seam Beam', 'Chickcharney Channel', 'Muddersic' and 'Help Me Bey'.
"Clifton Heritage Park was a good spot, and when we first approached them with the idea, their response was overwhelming. The partnership works because it showcases the park and they have a mandate to get people through the gates. The course allows you to experience the beauty the park has to offer, melding their idea with ours," Robards said.
"Natural obstacles that exist in the park, that will be tough. We have water obstacles, walls to go over, mud pits to crawl through... it will definitely test your resilience, strength and mental toughness, but at the same time it's not so difficult that it's impossible to get through."
The top finishers will receive cash and prizes and everyone who finishes the race will receive a signature jersey. Teams of four that cross the finish line are eligible to win cash prizes as well.
All interested persons can sign up at both Jemi Health and Wellness locations, Seagrapes Shopping Centre and Caves Village, also at Pappasurf in the Henrea Carlette Plaza on West Bay Street.
Robards said that the challenge has been well received up to this point, and expects more people to sign up as race day draws near.
"The response has been excellent, people have been nervous about it but they have been interested," Robards said. "We are definitely pushing the team aspect of it because while it is a competition, it's meant to also build bonds with your competitors as you test what limits you can push your body to."
The public is asked to follow Chickcharney Chirren on Facebook and Instagram or send an e-mail to chickcharneychirren@gmail.com for more information.
The Chickcharney Challenge is sponsored by Jemi Wellness Bahamas, Clifton Heritage National Park, Builders Mall, FYP, the Tile King, Rashad Penn Photography and Pup Star Entertainment.

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