What happens when you combine 36 energetic individuals, a hot sunny day, and a variety of physically challenging obstacles? You get Blaine Lake Community Association's first swamp stomp.
Thirty-six athletes between the ages of 16 and 53 travelled from various points within central Saskatchewan such Lloydminster, Saskatoon, Shellbrook, Holbein and of course Blaine Lake area to participate in the physical challenge Aug. 17.
The weather was clear, sunny and hot adding to the challenges of the event. This did not appear to faze some of the participants as they ran, climbed, dodged, crawled and splashed their way to the finish line. The five kilometre challenge led the participants from the sports grounds through the community to the golf course and back to the sports grounds where along the way various obstacles were erected trying the endurance and physical co-ordination of the participants. Climbing a rope ladder, a tire jump, bale climb, wall climb, stump hop, mud pit and a slide into water were among the 15 strategically placed obstacles that challenged participants' endurance and strength.
Some participants registered as teams while others ran the course on an individual, personal best level.
Aubrey Reban of Blaine Lake completed the course in 23.5 minutes. The average time to complete the course was 48 minutes.
Draw winners of gift cards were Branden Duvell of Saskatoon, Robin Dishko of Hafford, Amy Fendelet of Hafford, Guy Sveinbjornson of Saskatoon and Lezley Wishloff of Blaine Lake.
The overall response from the participants was that the course was well planned and laid out. Some recommendations were offered to the organizing committee by participants, some who run these courses as a circuit, for the next event. Plans are underway for the second swamp stomp next June in Blaine Lake.
