Thursday, January 23, 2014

BADASS Dash™ Obstacle Course Challenge & Adventure Race Set to Transform Kiwanis Park on November 8th to Benefit Autism Speaks

Black Dog Promotions Partners to Bring Inaugural Competition to the Valley

Tempe, AZ, January 24, 2014 - Autism Speaks, an organization dedicated to funding global biomedical research into the causes, prevention, treatments, and possible cure for autism; to raising public awareness about autism and its effects on individuals, families, and society; and to bringing hope to all who deal with the hardships of this disorder, is proud to announce the city of Tempe will host its final Obstacle Race fundraiser in conjunction with the 2014 BADASS Dash™ series. The inaugural Arizona BADASS Dash™ will take place on November 8th at Kiwanis Park in Tempe and be the final tour stop in a series of 12 events, taking place at select cities throughout North America in support of Autism Speaks in 2014.


Brian Sharenow, Race Director for the BADASS Dash™ series states, “Individuals within the Autism spectrum often experience the daily stress of feeling like a square pegs trying to live in a world of round holes. At each of the B.A.D. events, thousands of participants celebrate the challenge of trying to overcome obstacles they wouldn't normally face in our everyday lives. And although part of the thrill and excitement of the race is working toward conquering those obstacles, there's a certain amount of relief that comes from knowing there's a finish line.” Sharenow points out, “There's an immense feeling of satisfaction knowing you completed that LAST obstacle and are headed toward the coveted finish line to celebrate with friends, family and/or fellow racers. However, for individuals within the autism spectrum, the obstacles never end - there's always one more obstacle. The focus of these events is to hopefully one day provide those with Autism their finish line.”

So whether you are searching for a personal challenge, pride yourself in being a weekend warrior or are an avid racer seeking full-blown adrenaline rush, get ready for the most BADASS Obstacle Course Challenge and Adventure Run this side of insanity. The race will feature 30 of the most unique, challenging, fun and BADASS obstacles sprawled across a 7K (4.4 mile) course set within the confines of Kiwanis Park.

Each BADASS Dash competitor has the opportunity to compete individually or as a team and register for one of 3 Divisions:

The ELITE division, as the name clearly depicts, is geared toward individuals who are well trained (i.e. police, firefighters, armed forces, competitive athletes) and are looking to “get after it” while having the race of a lifetime. This division showcases those who can traverse through the obstacles while navigating the terrain the fastest with opportunities to win big prizes and even bigger bragging rights.

The RECREATION division, which can be anyone from an avid racer to a weekend warrior to someone looking for a new personal challenge, is geared toward those who are not specifically trained in Obstacle Course Challenges or Adventure Races but want to set a goal on the finish line and then achieve it.

The K9 COMPANION division showcases teams made up of one male or female (at least 14 years of age) and their dog (at least 1 year old) competing on the same course as the Recreation Division with a select number of obstacles designed specifically for each team to conquer together.

Each race also features a KIDS DASH division for children 4 - 13 years of age. The Kids Dash for 4 - 6 years old will feature a 200-yard dash with obstacles just their size while the 7 - 13 years old get to race on a 1-mile course with a mixture of adult and kids obstacles.

“We are excited to be partnering with The Badass Dash. Their fantastic race will be fun for the participants and also will help Autism Speaks. We are looking forward to the race. ” said Black Dog Promotions CEO, Scott Kelly.

Those not racing are encouraged to travel the course alongside the racers and cheer them on as they move from obstacle to obstacle as well as joining in the festivities of the POST-RACE FESTIVAL which will host racers, canines, vendors and spectators in a festival atmosphere with the inclusion of live entertainment, a beer garden, food & beverages, expo area, awards ceremonies, contests and prize giveaways.

If its time for you to take on the personal challenge of a lifetime or if you desire to be a part of an event that is guaranteed to leave a lasting impact on anyone who witnesses its spectacle, go to www.badassdash.com to register. To find out more information on the entire race series, check us out on Facebook at facebook.com/thebadassdash.

About BADASS Dash™
BADASS Dash™ benefits Autism Speaks, an organization dedicated to funding global biomedical research into the causes, prevention, treatments, and cure for autism; to raising public awareness about autism and its effects on individuals, families, and society; and to bringing hope to all who deal with the hardships of this disorder. It is Autism Speaks firm belief that, working together, we will find the missing pieces of the puzzle. We are committed to raising the funds necessary to support these goals. The cause is bigger than the obstacles. For more information, visit www.badassdash.com. Find BADASS Dash™ on Facebook and follow on Twitter.

About Kiwanis Park
The Kiwanis Park Recreation Center is a beautiful 54,000 square foot complex that is owned and operated by the City of Tempe. Facility amenities include an indoor wave pool, fitness center, gymnasium, corporate ramada area, classrooms and a 15-court tennis center. The facility is located in the 125 acre Kiwanis Park.

About Black Dog Promotions:
Black Dog Promotions is a media and business development agency and also provides digital marketing and publicity consulting for regional and national brands. Black Dog’s team has a long history of success in the entertainment, sports, technology and finance industries. We have taken companies from concept to millions of dollars in sales and billions of dollars in market capitalization. Black Dog Promotions understands how to help business expand and reach their goals. Visit http://www.blackdogpromotions.com/

Contact:
Scott Kelly
Black Dog Promotions
9920 S. Rural Rd., Ste 108
Tempe, AZ 85284
480-206-3435
scott@blackdogpromotions.com
http://www.blackdogpromotions.com