BoldrDash Announces Results of First ‘Dash For the Beach’

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PHOTO CREDIT: George Ross Photography

WESTERLY, RI – The sun was shining, waves crashing, and bands jamming, as Bold-r-Dashers conquered tire runs, belly-crawls, scalable walls, and the incoming tide last weekend. BoldrDash, Rhode Island’s only 5k, military-style obstacle course, hit the beaches in Westerly on Saturday, May 18 and Sunday, May 19, to support “Bring Back the Beach,” a non-profit led by the Greater Westerly-Pawcatuck Area Chamber of Commerce to provide much-needed funds to help rebuild the beach community after Hurricane Sandy devastated the area.

Both days were filled with excitement, determination and energy, as racers competed in one of the 17 heats. After running, climbing and crawling almost 3 miles through ankle-deep sand – much of the time carrying weights like boulders or water-filled buoys – Dashers enjoyed an after-party with live music, hosted by the Windjammer Surf Bar, and many took advantage of free onsite services for their aching bodies, including free Olympic taping for athletes by HealthSource Chiropractic and Progressive Wellness of North Providence, and injury assessments and post-race stretching by Lepre Physical Therapy.

“We had more than 200 volunteers along the course, providing water and support for the racers,” says personal trainer and athlete, Lynn Hall, who started this unique event in 2011, and holds annual fall races at Yawgoo Valley Ski and Sport in Exeter, RI. “Without the volunteers and our generous sponsors, we could never pull off such a hugely successful event.

“Each course has its own set of challenges,” adds Hall. “A lot of the Yawgoo event is uphill. This time, running on sand and through water added a huge challenge. We will definitely be having more beach events. Everybody loved it.”

BoldrDash For The Beach debuted new obstacles including the 30-40 lb Marine buoy carry over and under a series of 10 walls, the Ocean Bucket Run, the newly designed 12 foot tire wall as well as a 100 foot wade through waste-high ocean water.

“It was just incredibly challenging and rewarding,” says Chris Kunzmann of Newport, a member of West Warwick’s Arpin Van Lines Team, which also raised money for the Boston One Fund. “We had a blast and now we are addicted. Look out Yawgoo, here we come!”

Each BoldrDash has attracted many local celebrities.  Among this race’s list, a team of RevGirls, the promotional team for the New England Revolution, Micheala Johnson and Meaghan Mooney of The Rhode Show, and famed obstacle course competitors, The New England Spahtens, all competed. Local Westerly-area businesses directly affected by Hurricane Sandy, the Windjammer and the Andrea Hotel,  also put together teams and hit the beach. Jessica Schiano from 92 ProFM Mc’ed on Sunday, and the two days packed with music included Styff Kitty, Cabana Boys, Equinox, Dan Watson & Steve Broderick  and DJ Neil Roma.

“BoldrDash is about boldly overcoming limitations with determination,” says Hall. “But at the end of the day, bonds and friendships are formed and smiles all around…every single participant is a winner.”

Every year, BoldrDash holds a heavily attended, fall event at Yawgoo Valley in Exeter, RI. Each event raises money for a selected nonprofit. This fall’s BoldrDash will take place on September 14 and will support The Pathways Strategic Teaching Center.

“Participants can sign up now in order to have a few months to train.” Says Hall. “We’ll have a few more surprises in store.

Visit www.boldrdashrace.com for more information about the September event.

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Avatar About the Author: The Rhode Island Small Business Journal is a printed monthly magazine and an online resource for the aspiring and start-up entrepreneur and small business owner.

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