Heather L. Allen and Raymond Chase Allen were the grand prize winners at the inaugural Urban Stampede on Saturday, August 11. Competing against 51 other teams, the pair finished the downtown obstacle course with a winning time of 2:34:49 and was awarded an all-inclusive trip to Cancun, Mexico courtesy of Bliss Travel. Stampede racers completed 10 obstacles at various locations including Churchill Downs, Fourth Street Live, Louisville Slugger Field, and Joe’s Crab Shack. Obstacles varied from physical competitions to puzzles and memory challenges before the final task, in which participants searched for the finish line marked only by a mat on the ground and a member of the Urban Stampede Wranglers team.
“The course challenged mind and body, so the more physical racers were slowed by the puzzles and vice versa,” said Mark Lynch, CEO of Atomic Rhino, who developed the event.
Although team combinations varied, Mark said one highlight was to see the Mother/Son and Father/Daughter teams race together.
“We created these races so that families could enjoy the race along with serious racers,” he said. “The course was challenging and received an overwhelming thumbs up from the racers.”
A portion of the proceeds benefited FEAT of Louisville (Families for Effective Autism Treatment) and canned goods were collected for the Dare to Care Food Bank. Brightside was also on site at the event.
Mark spoke highly of the participants’ willingness to accept the challenge of a new, out-of-the-box race.
“I am excited and encouraged by what the future holds for this race along with the Stampede Mud Race and Pony Stampede next spring. As Louisvillians learn about these races, I expect that all available waves will sell out,” he said.
For information about next year’s events, visit the Urban Stampede Facebook page or survivethestampede.com.
Photo: Courtesy of survivethestampede.com
