We all face obstacles. Day-in, day-out. From the mundane to the monumental, from the merely amusing to the earth-shattering, we spend much of our waking moments wrestling with life’s challenges.
For that very reason, it only makes sense to take time for celebrating life’s victories.
Tim Walther, an applied business and experiential learning expert with Grand Dynamics, has taken this credo literally by jumpstarting a special obstacle-course race in Jackson, Wyo., called The Ultimate Towner. Now entering its fourth year, the entire event functions as an analogy of what it means to overcome adversity and support others to do the same.
“The experience is 4 miles, 25 obstacles. There’s a mountain climb, multiple mud crawls, climbing walls — just a varied series of experiences that are themed to inspire everyone who participates.”
Inspirational obstacles include an “Ultimate Elevation” warm-up routine, followed by the Karma Mud Crawl, Believe-Achieve Hurdles, Take The Plunge Rope Swing, Motivational Mist Spray and the Love-Life Wall at the race’s festive finish line.
The 2015 event in Jackson is slated for May 10. As in past races, the date selection coincides with Mother’s Day. You might want to change out of your church clothes, because one thing is for certain: it’s going to get messy.
“The mud is just awesome. It was like being a kid again,” said 2014 participant Jennifer Adams. “Parts of it can be tough, but since we’re a team it’s great because we’re all there to support each other and have a great time. Plus it’s all for a great cause.”
Each year, the race benefits a specific charity or non-profit group. The 2014 event’s main beneficiary was Habitat for Humanity.
“One great thing about it is that it’s truly a community-building, community-wide event. It goes all around town, and the turnout is getting better all the time,” noted Habitat’s Marketing & Volunteer Manager, Veronica Mulhall. “I would expect to find the unexpected — everything from mud pits to ‘mystery’ obstacles and getting dirty, challenging yourself and having fun.”
Attendance ranges from 500 to 1,000 participants and supporters. Following the race is an inspirational presentation from Walther and the Towner team, an informal awards ceremony, food/beverage vendors, live music and more.
“This is how I choose to spend my mother’s Day, out here with my family,” said 2014 racer Carrie Schrauder. “It might seem a little punishing, but it’s definitely fun because we’ve got such great company and upbeat people all around us. It really brings us all closer.”
Originally branded as the “Tough Tower,” the race that began in Jackson Hole has since expanded to venues in Ohio, Lake Placid, Syracuse and San Francisco.
Volunteers and spectators are welcome and interested sponsors can contact Title Sponsor Grand Dynamics Team Building at info@granddynamics.com to get involved. According to Walther, costumes are encouraged, and all ages welcome. For more information, visit www.ultimatetowner.com.