The challenge venue owners often face is what to do with all that space when your primary sport is no longer in season. In particular, a space as big as a racing oval has to find an activity as big as the space to bring in revenue in the off season. That’s why you’ll see, for example, multi-day concerts at race tracks.
The growth of extreme sport challenges, like Tough Mudder, Spartan Race and similar obstacle events has given these race tracks and other large venues, something to host on off weekends. And Michigan International Speedway has taken that idea one step further.
The Childrenz Challenge at MIS is in its third year and is in record territory. The muddy obstacle course for 4 to 13 year olds at Michigan International Speedway is looking at a record 2,200 participants on Aug. 13.
After having about 1,300 kids last year, the 1,500-kid limit for the Childrenz Challenge already was reached by Feb. 29 this year, Scott Vitale, founder and president, told mlife.com.
All heats were extended from 100 to 125 kids. And when they filled up, heats running from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. were extended again to 150 kids.
The limit will not be extended further this year, since it's already nearly twice the size as last year's group, Vitale said.
The event has turned into a significant fundraiser for the community, as well. Registration was between $30 to $40, which goes back to schools, teachers and local organizations. The school with the most participation per enrollment gets $5,000.
Other organizations receiving money from the event include YMCA Jackson ($1,000), Marriage Matters Jackson ($500), MIS Cares ($500), Benjamin Evans Scholarship ($500) and Andy's Angels ($500). Spectators (meaning mom and dad) are invited to the event for $5 and parking is free. For more information and to learn about the inspiration for starting Childrenz Challenge, go to childrenzchallenge.com