Tackle The Tar
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Tackle the Tar 5K Obstacle Course Race and Family Fun Day
Tackle the Tar is an annual 5K obstacle course race hosted by the Rotary Club of Rocky Mount at the Rocky Mount Sports Complex. The course runs through historic Battle Park and the E.B. Grain Company property and includes a mud pit plus more than 15 obstacles.
Previous obstacles have included a 16 foot wall called the Great Tar Wall, a mud pit with tires, log jumps, culvert tunnels under US 64, a tire mountain, rope net climbs, chicken crawls under wire, pond wades and a slip n slide. All racers receive a T-shirt, medal, one complimentary beer for participants over 21, and a goodie bag.
Event formats include multiple heats covering competitive, fun, first responders and local college groups. All heats are timed except the 1 mile kids race. Packet pickup is scheduled on Friday and Saturday of race week and participants must complete a participation waiver. Special discounts are available for first responders and local college students, and group rates are offered for block purchases.
Age and entry rules: participants must be at least 14 years old to run the 5K; the 1 mile kids obstacle race is for ages 8 to 13 only. Since 2016 the event has raised and awarded over $720,000 in college scholarships for local students. Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.
