and sign up for the Inaugural Commander Run Extreme 5K, Mini-Extreme and 5K slated for March 31, 2012
By ANGEL KANE
Are you up for a challenge Wilson County? Because on Saturday, March 31, 2011, Friendship Christian School is ready toprovide adults and children alike with a day filled with fun, fellowship and a fierce running series where participants will be pushed to their limits as they celebrate the challenge of conquering nature at its best.
The brainchild of Michelle Scharfman, a runner, parent and teacher at FCS, and Wendy Hailey, a fellow parent at FCS, the course offers three levels of participation. From beginner trail racers and mud run participants to hardcore warriors, tough guys and marathon runners – there is something for everyone.
“We wanted to make sure everybody could be part of this event,” noted Michelle. For that reason, the Commander Run Series will offer three different races to allow all ages and people of all levels of fitness to participate.”
“When we came up with the idea we took it to Jon Shoulders, and he loved it. We soon enlisted the help of Anna-Lee Cockrill and Bianca Thompson who also have children at FCS and formed a committee to get the event off the ground. The support we have had has been amazing. Parents, teachers and local citizens have all been very excited about the event. Sponsors have come out to lend not only their financial support but also to help us actually construct the obstacles and the course itself.”
“While you may have heard of Warrior Dash or the Muddy Buddy, there is actually nothing similar to those races near Wilson County, and we loved the idea of bringing those fun challenges and obstacles to our run,” stated committee member and FCS parent, Wendy Hailey. “The difference being this event will be right in our own backyards and allows all ages to participate because we are offering three distinct levels of competition.”
The Commander Run Series will be held on the beautiful 50-acre campus of Friendship Christian School located at 5400 Coles Ferry Pike, Lebanon,Tennessee. The family-friendly race features chip timing, and the proceeds will benefit FCS and are tax deductible.
Three Run Series will feature three separate runs:
The Commander Extreme 5K race is for participants age 14 and older and will test their all around toughness, strength, stamina, fitness and mental determination. Runners will test their ability to run, climb, jump, crawl and muscle their way through various obstacles on the course. There are hills to run up and slide down, creeks to cross and obstacles to crawl through or climb over.
For those not quite ready for the ultimate challenge, The Commander Mini-Extreme offers a 1.5 mile course. Participants can join in the fun as they complete a shorter, less diffcult obstacle course than the “Extremers”.
The Cross Country 5K is an adventure race that requires the participants to navigate a 5K trail running course – minus the obstacles. It differs from other local 5K’s by going off road – traveling trails through a beautiful course that gets in touch with nature.
“This is about having fun. We want you to get your teammates together and challenge your friends. It’s a great way for families to get out and enjoy an exciting, unique event,” stated Jon Shoulders, President, Friendship Christian School. “We anticipate participants to vary from the fiercely competitive to fun runners, charity runners and walkers who have never done anything like this in their lives. We welcome everyone,”emphasized Shoulders.
Each participant will receive a race shirt, and awards will be given out to winners of each series. FCS encourages other schools to come out to compete and bring their school teams.
“Our purpose is to provide a fun-filled day for the community. We are all so blessed to be living in such beautiful surroundings. What better way to celebrate all this area offers, than by spending it outside, together, on a glorious Spring day.”
To register for the Run go to Active.com or you can also go to www.CommanderRun.com.
Email questions to commanderrun@fcsweb.net or CommanderRun@friendshipchristian.org or you may call 615-347-3017.
Sponsors are welcome for both the run and the obstacles themselves. For information about being a “Partner in Grime” in an official sponsorship capacitycontact Michelle Scharfman at 615-354-3017.