MentorKids Kentucky will host its annual Rugged Race 5K on August 5 at Diamond Lake Resort. The race features 28 obstacles, including water crossings, barbed wire, rope climbs, mud, and more.
There are two categories for participation: the elite category for serious athletes and the ultimate class for those running for fun or as a team. There are also be two youth divisions: Rugged Kids is for ages 8-11, and Rugged Rascals is for ages 4-7. All participants will receive a finisher’s medal and T-shirt.
Click here to learn more about the event, register to volunteer, or compete.
MentorKids Executive Director Berly Tillman Sullivan said the event came to fruition when Digger Phelps was camping out at Diamond Lake and was looking for a way to engage the community.
“Partnering with Diamond Lake was a no-brainer,” Sullivan said. “Our support keeps increasing. This year we’re adding a business-corporate challenge, where the winners receive a three-feet tall traveling trophy and bragging rights.”
There’s also an award for best-dressed, which has gone to folks dressed as cheerleaders or with rubber duck floats around their waist in years past. Sullivan said the event also features food and community vendors, with something to do for the entire family.
“This is just a day where everyone in your family can have fun,” she said. “If you don’t have what it takes to be ‘rugged,’ you can always volunteer – we need 100 volunteers to make the event a success.”
MentorKids exists to positively impact kids’ lives from single parents and non-traditional households. They host an on-site STAR program every Thursday for children without a match. They also offer life, daily living, and relationship skill-building courses.
The nonprofit also offers an off-site 1:1 mentoring program.
“What’s unique about us is we do not charge anything for any of the services we provide,” Sullivan said. “We offer several resources and provide monthly matching activities. We also offer mystery activity packs (MAPs) and activities for character-building and relationship skills.
Sullivan said she admires Owensboro for its constant support in strengthening the youth in the community to pass the torch to the next generations. The nonprofit relies solely on grants, donations, and fundraisers, with the Rugged Race being one of its largest.
“Come out and enjoy an amazing day,” Sullivan said. “We have something for everyone, and every dollar raised goes to underwrite our many programs.
