Numerous Harding students will test their strength, endurance, and determination tomorrow as they compete to Conquer the Gauntlet; a four-mile obstacle course race to be held in Little Rock.
Harding alumni Stephen and David Mainprize created Conquer the Gauntlet in 2012.The course features more than 25 endurance-testing obstacles including Hay Bale Haven, Tire Mountain and Fire Pit Jump, and concludes with the Gauntlet, according to conquerthegauntlet.com.
Campus Activities Board member Jared Dryden said the Mainprizes contacted CAB to help them promote the race among Harding students. Dryden said CAB was inspired to get involved because of the mission behind the race.
“It’s a pretty crazy ob- stacle course,” Dryden said. “It’s something that’s really going to challenge people. [Stephen and David] try to promote really strong values that are built in a Christian faith. Not necessarily explicitly stated, but just things like strong character values and commitment — when you decide to do something you go through with it.”
Aside from inspiring strong values, Conquer the Gauntlet is helping inspire hope by donating a portion of the proceeds to the Tim Tebow Foundation which works with various organizations including hospitals, orphanages and playrooms according to Conquer the Gauntlet’s website.
Senior Stuart Haley will be among the students participating in the race. Haley said he signed up for the unique opportunity to challenge himself physically.
“It’s an experience that doesn’t come around that often,” Haley said. “I want to just get out and do crazy stuff. Four miles itself is a challenge, but then you have to crawl under barbed wire at some point and climb over wooden walls. I think it will challenge me physically in every way possible.”
Others, such as senior Brittany Chase, said they are participating for the thrill of the course. Chase said she wanted to compete on the show “Survivor” but was unable to make the tryouts. She said she will run because she enjoys the similarly intense challenge Conquer the Gauntlet will offer.
Competitors can run in teams or individually and are encouraged to wear costumes. The race begins at 8 a.m. Saturday.
Beyond the memorable experience, Dryden said he believes competitors will leave the race with a sense of empowerment.
“You set out and you paid this fee and you’ve got this T-shirt, but that’s not what you want from this,” Dryden said. “What you want is that feeling of ‘Hey four miles ago, I set out in my running gear and here I am messy, exhausted and totally gross’ but you’ll have that memory and that accomplishment behind you. And that’s more symbolic than anything. It shows that you can set out and finish anything.”
