There’s a new form of outdoor recreation being offered in Pocatello for the first time. So if you would like to try something new, it’s time for you and your team to get ready for the first annual Urban Invasion Obstacle Challenge in Pocatello. This is an opportunity for everyone, of any ability, to get outside and have some fun.   

    The event will be held Saturday, April 27, from 8 a.m. to noon, in Old Town Pocatello. It’s a team obstacle race in which the teams of four must go through 16 obstacles that line a five-kilometer course that winds its way through Old Town. Muse Boutique is the title sponsor of the race, and the event is also being planned by Historic Old Town Pocatello and the Southeastern Idaho Community Action Agency. Local businesses and organizations have planned and will set up their obstacles along the course. Proceeds from the race will go to benefit Southeastern Idaho Community Action Agency (SEICAA).    

    Lynette Sampson is the SEICAA’s manager for Development and Grants, and is the brainchild behind the Urban Invasion event. As a participant in last year’s “Dirty Dash” mud-run in Boise, she thought a race through Old Town would provide not only a fun way for participants and observers to spend some time, but also would provide a way to raise needed funds for SEICCA.  SEICCA is a non-profit organization that seeks to provide people with the skills and tools they need to achieve economic security. (See their website at www.seicca.org for more information and services available.)  

    “We’re trying to find new ways to bring money into the organization,” explained Sampson, “and we thought this would be a fun way to get people active, and that it would be something that would be fun for families and friends to watch.”

    The race will start at the Old Town Pavilion and will follow a 5-kilometer course though Old Town, where racers will be faced with 16 obstacles. According to Sampson, local response to the request for businesses and organization to provide obstacles has been very good. Just a few of the planned obstacles include a dog agility course for humans, clothing changing challenge, crawling through tubes, dragging a dummy, a trash can maze and many others.

    “I would say that the public should come down and watch,” encourages Sampson. “It’s going to be entertaining.”

    No race is complete without prizes, and the Urban Invasion Obstacle Challenge will provide three: Best Team Name, Fastest Finishing Team, and Best Obstacle.

    Sampson and a core group of three people have headed up the planning of the event since October. They will need a team of about 40 volunteers to help conduct the race, and she welcomes volunteers to call SEICCA at 232-1114, extension 113.  

    Kerry Harmon is on the board of directors for Old Town Pocatello and was glad to get on board as title sponsor for the event.

    “When I found out we were going to have it, I thought it would be a fabulous event for the downtown area,” she said.

    Harmon started the Muse Boutique about two years ago at 501 N. Main St. in Old Town Pocatello, specializing in edgy and trendy women’s fashions.

    “I am anticipating some pretty hardcore competitors out there, but there will be something for every ability level,” Harmon said. “I think it will be so much fun.”  

    Participating teams may register in two ways. You can register online at active.com under “Urban Invasion.” Participants can also register in person at Muse (501 N. Main St.) at the Old Town Pocatello office (420 N. Main St.) or at SEICAA (835 W. Bridger). Each team member will need to complete two forms, which are available at pokyurbaninvasion.com    

    Registration is limited to the first 100 teams. The cost is $125 if registering before April 1, and then $150 after that date. Registration will remain open through April 23. So register early for the discount and to make sure your team gets a spot. All runners must be at least 14 years of age. Participants will receive a free T-shirt as long as supplies last.  

    This race is more about fun and community support than fitness, so participants are encouraged to use their common sense about performing obstacles. If there are obstacles challenges that a racer feels he or she cannot perform, then an alternate challenge will be offered.  

    For more information about the 2013 Urban Invasion Obstacle Challenge visit www.pokyurbaninvasion.com. Everyone is invited to get a team together, come get some exercise and have some fun in the Urban Invasion!