COLLEGE OF EDUCATION AND HUMAN SCIENCES Division of Health, Physical Education, and Recreation

Delta State University Cleveland, Mississippi 38733 Phone (662) 846-4555 Fax (662) 846-4571

Press Release FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

8/8/2013 2:12:44 PM

Contact: Todd Davis

Phone: (662) 846-4555

Delta Down and Dirty Youth Obstacle & Challenge Run to premier at DSU’s 28th Annual Pig

Pickin’

CLEVELAND, Miss. — Area youth soon will have the opportunity to participate in their own

event similar to adult runs like the Tough Mudder, Warrior Dash, and Spartan Run.

The first-ever Delta Down and Dirty Youth & Obstacle Run will be held Sept. 28 at

Statesman Park on the DSU campus. The event is hosted by the HPER Recreation Leadership

Program in Delta State University’s College of Education and Human Sciences.

Youth ages 6 to 14 will be eligible to run the obstacle and challenge course. The nearly 1-

mile course will feature more than 25 challenges and obstacles. Age will determine the distance

each participant will run: 6- to 8-year-olds will run 1 lap/1 mile; 9- to 11-year-olds, 2 laps/1.6

miles; and 12- to 14-year-olds, 3 laps/2.4 miles. The first wave of participants will begin at 11

a.m.

Participants will be given approximate race times at registration and will race in waves of

12 to 15 participants at a time. Waves will start roughly every five minutes, allowing

participants ample time to reach and attempt each obstacle without interference or overloads.

All obstacles and challenges are “challenged by choice” — participants will be encouraged

and allowed to try the challenge/obstacle, but they will not be required to complete them.

“This will be a fun, adventurous, and positive event — one that I believe will inspire youth

to be active with their lives. It will give them purpose for exercise and being fit,” said Todd

Davis, race director and developer.

“I have participated in many 5Ks, triathlons, and other events, including two full Ironman

Triathlons, and there is no other feeling like running through a finish line after a physical

struggle,” Davis said.

“I want kids to feel a sense of adventure, a bit of struggle, and then the emotional

connection to finishing something physical, especially in front of their families, friends, and

spectators. It’s an awesome moment.”

Delta Down and Dirty will be a fundraiser for outdoor recreation opportunities in the

Delta. Fees will be $20 for ages 6 to 8; $25 for ages 9 to 11; and $30 for ages 12 to 14. Each

participant will receive a finisher T-shirt and finisher medal.

Course maps, training regimens, and registration information are online at

www.dsuop.deltastate.edu.

Nearly 100 volunteers will be needed to man safety stations, act as spotters at obstacles,

help with obstacle construction and design, help with on-site registration, and assist at the

start/finish line.

The event is seeking obstacle sponsors at $150 for a small or partial obstacle and $250 for

a large or full obstacle.

For more information about the event, to volunteer, or to sponsor an obstacle, contact

Davis at 662.846.4570 or tdavis@deltastate.edu.

Registration for Delta Down and Dirty is now open at www.dsuop.deltastate.edu under

the Down and Dirty page.

Several businesses and organizations in the Cleveland area have already committed to

help with the event.

Major sponsors include North Sunflower Medical Center, Boyle Lumber, and Heidi’s

Monogram and Screen-Printing.

Other sponsors include Robinson Electric, Reese Eye Care, Cleveland Optical, Wade Inc.,

Case Inc., Williams Equipment, Bolivar Tire, Fleming Lumber, Children’s Dental Clinic, Crave,

Automark, Partnership Properties, Redline Fitness, and Delta Dairy.