Renegade Run coming to Kalona Oct. 5

KALONA - Calling all athletes, a new kind of 5K will be hitting Washington County Saturday, Oct. 5, as the Washington YMCA and the American Cancer Society have teamed up to host the first ever renegade run.

The mud riddled obstacle course will have a 4-mile, 10 obstacle advanced course, for those 16 and up, and a 1-mile, six obstacle beginner course, for those 6 years old and up. Teri Hartzler, Washington YMCA Branch and Fitness Director, said the idea has been on her mind for some time, but finding a location was a problem.

Upon hearing the Shiloh property in Kalona would be available, Hartzler got started right away. Local businesses like Greiner Buildings, of Washington, have donated time and built obstacles for the courses.

All proceeds form the event will be shared between the American Cancer Society and the Washington YMCA. Hartzler said they have never done a partnership with it before, but are excited about the prospect.

'It's really important for us to try and connect with other community organizations within Washington. It's always better if we do things together,” she said.

Hartzler said that teamwork extends beyond the partnership and into teams working together on the obstacle course. Bazooka Farmstar, of Washington and Civco Medical Solutions, of Coralville, have created teams to complete the course together. Hartzler said she would like to encourage companies and other groups to consider forming a team because working together is the theme of the run.

'It really is more fun if you do it as a group because you're going to need help with a lot of it and that way you can stop and help each other out,” she said.

Registration for the run can be done the day of the run or online at: secure.getmeregistered.com by typing Kalona into the search bar. The first ever Renegade Run will take place at 9 a.m. on Saturday, Oct. 5, on the Shiloh grounds, 100 Shiloh Drive, in Kalona. Anyone with questions can contact Hartzler at: thartzler@washingotny.org or at 319-653-2141.