WVRR Do the Parks Challenge

WVRR’s Do the Parks Challenge is a virtual race series that encourages runners to get out and enjoy the parks that Terre Haute has to offer. WVRR is teaming up with the City of terre Haute & the Vigo County Parks Departments to get folks out and into the parks. Participants will receive a super soft hoodie and a finishers medal. Runners must keep records of their runs. Swag and award pickup will be announced near the end of the event.

The Do the Parks challenge has been one of our Club's most appreciated events. Many of us were not aware of the extensive parks system that our community has to offer. From a gentle stroll around Collett Park/Maple Lake or the rugged hills of Elliott Woods and Griffin Bike Park, there is a challenge for everyone at all levels and ages. Join your friends and family and enjoy the local color as you give your mind and body a treat. 

Want to "Do the Parks" with your dog? Select that option when signing up! Complete the courses and submit pics of you and your four-legged bestie and you'll also receive a special “Do the Parks” bandana at the end of the race!

Participants in the challenge will have from October 18 - December 13 to complete SIX out of the EIGHT courses in the various parks.  The parks included are:

Wabashiki Wetlands (6mi/1.75)

Griffin Bike Park (4 mi/1.65 mi)

Prairie Creek Park (6 mi/1 mi) 

Fowler Park (4.25 mi/1.5 mi)

Hawthorn Park (4.5 mi/1.5 mi)

Ruble Park East (4.8 mi/2.2 mi)

Collett Park/Maple Lake (4 mi/1.3 mi)

Deming Park/Dobbs Park (4.6 mi/1.2 mi)

Participants can participate in one of two races offered:

The Lite Challenge

Participants in this challenge will run/walk the short course at each park. These courses will range 1-3 miles in length. This would be a great opportunity for participants to participate with the entire family, or those just beginning their journey in the world of running/walking.

The Challenge

Participants in this challenge will run/walk courses varying from 3-6 miles in length.  Participants should note that many of these runs will be on trails.  This IS a challenge!

Here’s how it works:

Choose your distance!  When you are registering, you will need to decide if you want to run the “long courses” or the “short courses." Once you commit to a course, you must stick with it for the duration of the challenge.

After the race period opens up, course maps will be sent to participants as well as posted on the WVRR.org website.

Learn the courses!  You can complete the courses in any order.  While the courses will be marked and checked multiple times during the week, WVRR cannot guarantee that signs will be visible.  If you notice signs missing, please let us know!  It is the runner’s responsibility to know the course.

Run/walk the courses!  Get out to the parks and get moving!  Take the family, meet a small group of friends, leash up your dog and enjoy the amazing parks that Terre Haute and Vigo County have to offer.  The start/finish lines will be marked with a “Do the Parks” sign.  Signs will mark turns and will line some of the course to help guide runners. 

Upload your times!  When you finish a run, you will need to go back to Runsignup to put in your time. Make sure to select the correct park course when entering your time. You will need to keep evidence of your runs. If you are participating with your dog, take a picture of you and your pup and submit that as well.

Post your activity!  Share your runs on our Facebook/Instagram pages. #wvrrRuntheParks

A special thanks to the following members of the WVRR Geriatric Division: Butch Bosworth, Dave Williams, Dan Watson, Don Richards, John Sheldon, Max Johnson, and Buddy Green! This event takes a lot of work, so if you see them out on the trail, give 'em a big hug!