ReALLIEty Challenge makes Lake Area debut March 31
Published 8:30 pm Tuesday, March 20, 2012
It’s not every day that you have the opportunity to climb walls, navigate through a maze in a forest, propel across a pit, cross a swamp amid floating challenges and run through a rainstorm all in one day.
These are just a few of the 13 obstacles on the 3.5-mile “War Zone” called the ReALLIEty Challenge that makes its debut in the Lake Area this month. The race kicks off on the corner of Manchester Road and Hwy 14 in Iowa on March 31, and proceeds benefit The Mission Continues, a nonprofit organization that helps war veterans find a renewed sense of purpose through community service after their return home.
And it’s not too late to sign up for the challenge that namesake Allie Ieyoub promises to be unlike any the area has ever experienced.
“I’ve been doing boot camps for about 10 years now, and we do some extreme things like push cars,” Ieyoub said. “I’m trying to bring different things to our area as far as fitness goes, something a little cutting-edge.”
Ieyoub is thrilled to have more than 350 participants signed up for the military-style race, and there’s still time to register.
“We hope to get a second surge,” she said.
A deeper benefit for putting together the race is the contribution to The Mission Continues, a cause Ieyoub chose to support because of her “deep appreciation” for the troops.
“I’m so into the military theme,” she said. “I have grandparents and uncles and cousins who have served our country. It’s important to let them know they’re still assets to us and not just charity cases.”
Liz Diemer, development associate for grassroots fundraising and events, said The Mission Continues is the only national non-profit that specifically promotes service as a way for post-September 11 war veterans to immerse themselves in their communities again. The organization grants 6-month fellowships for veterans to use their skills to participate in various service projects in hopes that service will become a permanent component in their lifestyles.
Diemer said the recognition and monetary donations from the ReALLIEty Challenge mean so much.
“It serves to prove that no matter what people are passionate about doing, no matter what their tie to the military, everybody can make a real difference in the community,” Diemer said. “Allie is throwing this fantastic event and rallying a lot of support in her community, and we’re so thankful for all the hard work she’s been putting in.”
Ieyoub said the fun begins before the race day with a check-in party March 30 at L’Auberge Casino Resort. Participants can also check in one hour before they begin the race.
And afterward, finishers will be rewarded with music, fun and food for completing the “War Zone.”
It’s all about overcoming adversity.
(American Press Archives)
Jonathan Fontenot practices crawling across the elevated bars as Allie Ieyoub looks on for the upcoming ReALLIEty Challenge March 31. (BRAD PUCKETT / AMERICAN PRESS)
