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South Point Hotel Transforms into “BADASS Dash” Benefitting Autism Speaks May 23

For the third consecutive year, South Point Arena and Equestrian Center transforms into a 7K gauntlet during the annual BADASS Dash Obstacle Course Challenge and Adventure Run on Saturday, May 23 at 8 a.m. 

BADASS Dash is one of the world’s leading producers of obstacle course challenges. After more than 3,000 adventure enthusiasts raced to the finish line during last year’s obstacle course challenge the team upped the difficulty of the design of new obstacles for an unparalleled and inventive course.

This year’s event introduces more than 45 one-of-a-kind, challenging and fun obstacles within the confines of South Point’s unique blueprint. Unlike most obstacle course challenges, BADASS Dash designed the layout to have two-thirds of the course set up indoors.

“South Point looks forward to hosting events that challenge us to think outside the box,” said Ryan Growney, general manager of South Point, Hotel, Casino and Spa. “We are always looking to bring events to Las Vegas that are unique and encourage the community to get involved, and the Badass Dash team has created an event that allows us to do both.”

Brian Sharenow, Race Director for the BADASS Dash series states, “We are very excited to return to South Point again this year and even more excited for the racers to experience not only a newly designed, badass course with even more obstacles then they conquered last year, but also the new elements that we have added to this race that will surely separate us from the other OCR races that take place in both Vegas and nationwide”.

Once again, BADASS Dash has partnered with Autism Speaks, a nonprofit dedicated to educating and supporting those with developmental disorders such as Autism. A portion of the challenge’s proceeds will benefit Autism Speaks in an effort to raise public awareness for the developmental disorder.

Sharenow points out, “Being that the focus of our events is to raise awareness and funds for those affected by the Autism Spectrum Disorder, we are looking forward to seeing first-hand what the expansion of our course to almost two-thirds being indoors coupled with an unprecedented amount of obstacles for a 7k can do in terms of growing our support for this great cause. So while we are always working towards our end goal of providing individuals on the Autism Spectrum with their finish line, we are looking forward to providing all of our competitors the opportunity to further develop a fun and interactive relationship with family, friends, co-workers and now also pets, through competition.”

The event’s diverse setup will transform South Point Hotel’s three arenas, parking garage, concourse and outdoor blueprint into a series of obstacles course challenges suitable for all levels of competitors from the avid racer to the weekend warrior. Each competitor has the option to compete individually or as a team and register for four obstacle divisions, including:

• 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 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 K9 COMPANION division is the first of its kind in the OCR genre where participants can bring their canines to take part in a race specifically designed / modified for them to compete as a team. Each team will be comprised of one male or female runner that is a minimum of 14 years of age and a canine that is a minimum of 1 year old – no matter what size, shape or breed. A maximum lead of 4 feet will be required for all teams competing and they will follow the same course as the Recreation division with a select number of obstacles designed specifically for each team to conquer together.
• The 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.

Family and friends of both racers and volunteers along with general spectators 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 being held inside the Arena with the inclusion of live entertainment, a beer garden, food & beverages, expo area, awards ceremonies, contests and prize giveaways.

Registration for the obstacle course challenge is open and starts at $20 for children and $81 for adults. VIP Packages are available and start at $136.Those interested in witnessing the obstacle madness can purchase tickets for $10 prior to the event or $15 at the door.

For more information please visit www.southpointcasino.com or www.badassdash.com.

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