monster challenges
monster challenges
Participants battle water, mud, rain and each other in grueling 4-mile course
MILLARD K. IVES | Staff Writer
millardives@dailycommercial.com
They're not your dad's monkey bars. And the Swamp Crawl, Monster Web, Log Wall Climb and Curved Creature were no easy or typical playground obstacles either.
They were all part of 16 mud-soaked obstacles awaiting contestants at the grueling 4-mile course Monster Challenges event on Saturday in Arnold Groves in Clermont.
There were approximately 220 challengers, many running in groups and mostly from the Lake County area and throughout Florida. Still, one visitor from Ireland did turn out to accept the challenge.
Linda Cardoza took one look at a lily-pad covered patch of mud under a stretch of dozens of Monster Bars, which participants tried to swing across without falling. "It looks disgusting," she said, just before attempting the obstacle and plopping into the mud. Most participants said it reminded them of playground monkey bars -- without the mud.
The Serpentine Wall had a slightly vertical lean, between 11 and 15 feet in various spots, and was covered by a picture of a giant snake. Particpants had to run up the wall and try to grab the top and hoist themselves across. Some made it on their first attempt. But many slid back down several times, including one man who managed a belly flop, before reaching the top.
"It took a couple tries to get up there," said 43-year-old Bill Downs, of Global Resort Homes, minutes after he crossed the finish line where medals were given out. The event also featured dancing, food, raffles and other activities.
Times to complete the course varied, with most taking approximately 75 minutes. Many of the participants were fitness buffs who regarded the course as just another physical challenge. One women's group, comprised of mothers who work out at Gold's Gym, called themselves the "Supermoms." All were dressed in ballerina shirts. Supermom Sandra Scott said she thought the Ghoul Grip Zip, which required participants to grab a bar and slide about 75 feet down a cable stretched over water, was one of the more interesting challenges.
"It was pretty fun," Scott said.
Some participants enjoyed the event more than others. Quan Nguyen, 29, and his brother Minh, 30, dressed up as ninjas, complete with the black spandex suits, masks and performing kicks.
They have dressed as Superman and Spiderman in similar events, but decided on the ninja costumes because a Ninja Wall obstacle was part of the Monster Challenges.
"It's a way to have fun at the same time," Nguyen said.
Many parts of the challenge involved logs and ropes, where participants were required to climb, crawl and run over or under an obstacle in an attempt not avoid the mud or water.
However, there was no way you could come out clean from the Swamp Crawl, which had participants clambering on all fours and slithering on their bellies about 20 feet under an obstacle and through the mud.
"This is cool," said 10-year-old Jackson Arnold, leading the way for his mother Julie, with only a part of the top of his head free of mud.
This is the second time such a course has been offered by Monster Challenges, a Clermont-based group. Located deep in a wooded area off Frank Jarrell Road, the course took about three months to build, said Debbie Wilson, an event coordinator.
And if the course wasn't muddy and wet enough, rain began pouring down midway through the event.
"The rain makes it more fun, but if you're that wet, you're ready to go home afterwards," said Wilson.
Part of the proceeds from the event, which cost between $65 and $78 to enter, will benefit the local DreamCatcher Horse Ranch, a rescue organization for horses.
Wilson said the event is scheduled for about three times a year, with the next one coming in December.
Friday, September 21, 2012 - www.dailycommercial.com/092112mon