On Saturday, June 9, 1,180 courageous competitors took part in the Gladiator Dash held at Sedgwick County Park in Wichita. The Dash – the first of what is planned to be an annual event in Wichita – not only made for great entertainment, but also raised money for Newman University Athletics and the Child Advocacy Center of Sedgwick County.
Participants in the event paid $50 each to enter, or $65 for those registering after June 1. Gladiator Dash officials are still determining the final proceeds.
The Dash was patterned after Warrior Dashes, which are extreme obstacle course races that have taken place in many cities across the country. The 5-kilometer race tried the strength and endurance of competitors, as it was packed with mud crawling, water traversing, and over-and-under obstacles involving hay bales, tires and other materials. In addition to the competitors hoping to prove themselves on the field of battle, more than 1,000 spectators were in attendance. Together, they filled the park with high energy.
The event was made possible by the Newman Athletics Club, the Gladiator Dash Board, many volunteers, and other sponsors including Red Bull, Reddi Industries, Inc., Go Run, and others. Newman alumni Dan Giroux ’96 was co-director of the event, and Zack Steven, a member of the Newman Athletics Club and owner of Reddi Industries, Inc., helped make the brilliant obstacle course a reality.
