Gladiator Dash Challenges Wichita for Fifth Year
Gladiator Dash brings some of Wichita’s toughest athletes to Sedgwick County Park each year to test their skills. The 5K obstacle course race celebrates its fifth anniversary this year, and it boasts a total of 26 obstacles in just under 3.2 miles. Are you up for the challenge?
For years, Reddi Industries has served as a main sponsor for the event, helping the Wichita community to get active, have fun and support local charities. Reddi’s Zack Steven started the event five years ago with the help of his friend Dan Giroux. The two have co-chaired the event ever since.
“These obstacle course races are a ton of fun as it gets you out of the traditional 5k run. Lots of people run as teams or groups and they help each other get through all the various obstacles,” Steven said. “Some run to try and win the event, most run it to get through the event. We have had runners as young as 14 and as old as 60 complete the course.”
Runners will get down and dirty on this year’s course, as they will encounter multiple mud, sand and water obstacles, as well as obstacles that require climbing, crawling, jumping, sliding and lifting. Do you have it in you? It’s a lot of work, but it’s also a lot of fun!
Gladiator Dash Charities
The ultimate goal of Gladiator Dash is to provide the runners with a great experience while also raising money for a good cause. This year, Gladiator Dash will benefit two local charities, the Newman University Athletics department and the Child Advocacy Center of Sedgwick County. All proceeds generated by Gladiator Dash are donated, and over the years these donations have made a big impact.
“This is all volunteer work from the top down. [It’s] pretty cool that over the last 4 years we have raised well over $250k for these local charities,” Steven said.
Race Information and Registration
The race will begin at the Red Bull takeoff, and then the real challenge begins. The obstacles are made possible by sponsors, many of which are local businesses. The first obstacle runners will encounter is a series of hurdles provided by Newman University. This is followed by the ABC Liquor Clear Crossing, Reddi Industries’ Muddy Mounds and Spangles’ Slippery Slope, and this is just the beginning.
Maybe running isn’t your thing, and maybe getting muddy isn’t, either. That’s totally okay! Even if you don’t consider yourself a Gladiator, you are more than welcome to attend. Spectators get in for free, and it’s really fun to watch the runners as they complete the various obstacles.
The 2016 Gladiator Dash will take place on June 11 at Sedgwick County Park. The event will be held in four waves, with races beginning at 11 a.m., 11:30 a.m., 12 p.m., and 12:30 p.m. Registration is available online, but hurry up because space is limited. Registration costs $59 per person, and VIP wristbands are available for an additional $20. Wristbands will allow access into the VIP tent, which will be equipped with unlimited food and beer. Participants must be at least 14 years of age to register, and those under 18 must have a parent’s signature.
About Reddi Industries
Reddi Industries, a family-owned and operated Wichita business for over 40 years, specializes in offering a wide variety of services. What began with the original Reddi Root’r Plumbing Service has since grown to include a full range of both residential and commercial services.
Reddi Industries is owned by brothers Zack and Tommy Steven, who have helped the company to grow over the years. Reddi currently employs about 100 people, and offers fencing, electrical, HVAC, sprinkler, lawn care, garage door repair, environmental and cleaning services.
Reddi Industries is headquartered in Wichita, near I-235 and Broadway in the old Mel Hambelton Ford dealership building, but will soon be relocating due to highway construction slated for 2017.
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