Ultimate Zelie Challenge going strong
ZELIENOPLE — The Ultimate Zelie Challenge has staying power. So does its founder.
The brief obstacle course event, for children ages 4 through adult, is in its eighth year and takes place Sunday at the Zelienople Community Park playground. The Challenge had 30 participants in its first year. It’s been averaging between 80 and 120 in recent years.
Zac Baker, whose family founded GetFitFamilies years ago, founded the Ultimate Zelie Challenge when he was 12 years old. Now 19, Baker is a triathlete at Queens University in Charlotte, N.C.
“That playground and that park got me started as an athlete,” Baker said. “I wanted to give something back. I was really into the American Ninja Warriors back then. This event is a way to get kids involved in that type of activity.”
Most of the obstacles used for the Challenge are the playground equipment, “so kids have been able to practice whenever they want,” Baker said. “We added some hurdles and a balance beam to it.”
Youths ages 4-5 can complete their course in 30 seconds to a minute. Ages 6-11 can complete theirs in one to three minutes while others can do theirs in three to five minutes.
Fee is $25 with proceeds benefitting Zelienople Community Park. The Challenge has raised $20,000 during its history.
“Whatever the park needs to put the money toward, it’s there for them,” Baker said.
He added that the Challenge got plenty of adult participation the first couple of years, but has developed into more of a youth event since. Baker emphasized that adults are still welcome.
“We would love to see those adult numbers increase,” he said.
Registration begins at 9 a.m.Sunday with the event starting at 10 a.m. Participants may register in advance at GetFitFamilies.com or at the site on Sunday.
Baker said he likes using the playground equipment as opposed to building a unique course available only the day of the event.
“This way, people can prep for it all summer. They know what to expect,” he said. “The Ultimate Zelie Challenge is about them being timed and gives them a chance to compete against their friends.
“It promotes exercise, outdoor activity, and I’m all in favor of that. I like getting kids to compete.
Besides being a triathlete in college, Bake is a manager for the Queens swim team. While he stays busy in college, he devotes muchj of his summer to the Ultimate Zelie Challenge.
“As long as the park wants and allows me to do it, I’ll be here each year,” he said.
