Introducing Run Through Hell – an untimed 5K challenge run that is fun, fast and dirty. Presented by Budweiser, Run Through Hell will be held on Saturday, August 17, 2013, at the Hell Survivors course in Pinckney, MI. Proceeds benefit the Arthritis Foundation, Michigan.
Unlike other distance or challenge runs, Run Through Hell is a test of attitude and determination, not speed. Participants are challenged to successfully maneuver through a series of ten military-like training obstacles that are immersed in mud, ice, water, sand and a few other surprises. Completing all ten obstacles will earn participants a Run Through Hell Gold Medal. Silver and bronze medals will be awarded for 9 and 8 completed obstacles.
Registration is $55 per person until August 1 and $75 per person thereafter. All participants will receive a Run Through Hell Survivor dog tag and complimentary drink at the post-event party. Register at www.RunThroughHell.com or by calling (734) 878-5656. Send questions to info@HellSurvivors.com.
Run Through Hell is the brainchild of proprietor Dave Massey (Brighton) and Ed Stapleton (Hell), and Dave’s wife, Kelly (Brighton). Dave and Kelly know a few things about overcoming challenges.
Three years ago, just as she was starting a new job, Kelly was diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis. It started in her feet. It hurt to stand. Then it moved into her arms and hands. She couldn’t hold her purse or start her car and her fingers and arms would often lock into position. She didn’t tell her boss fearing she’d get fired.
“Not being able to do simple things, like open your car door or close your trunk. You feel so helpless,” says Kelly. “It’s a horrible feeling to have that taken away from you.”
Arthritis is an autoimmune disease that attacks the body’s joints causing pain and deterioration of bones, cartilage, tendons and ligaments. The first symptoms are usually pain and stiffness. As the disease progresses, pain increases and mobility declines. In advanced stages, arthritis can completely immobilize the body, cause excruciating pain and require complete joint replacement. People with arthritis often have difficulty doing simple things like walking, eating or even brushing their teeth.
Getting Kelly’s arthritis under control has been difficult. Doctors initially told her she had plantar fasciitis and advised her to ice her feet and not wear flip flops.
Today, Kelly treats her arthritis with medication, therapy and exercise. She and Dave created Run Through Hell hoping to raise awareness and support for people with arthritis.
“We want to help find better treatments and maybe even a cure,” says Dave. “The pain is terrible and the cost of the drugs is so expensive.”