Spirit and camaraderie reign at extreme fundraiser

As promised, there was more mud and more pain but most participants wore smiles as spirit and camaraderie reigned at the second annual Grapes of Wrath Extreme Romp N Stomp.

More than 300 athletes and 100 volunteers participated at Hillier Creek Estates winery to raise funds for the Canadian Cancer Society, the Prince Edward County Memorial Hospital and Trenton Memorial Hospital foundations.

“It is a tough course,” said Wendy Warner, of the TMHF. “But cancer is tougher, so when you think of it that way, this course is nothing compared to what cancer does to people.”

There were more participants last year, but fundraising pledges have been higher so far this year, so Warner hopes the event may equal or exceed the $80,000 raised in the inaugural event. The event date was moved so it wouldn’t conflict with the Picton fair.

In 2014, 420 participants and 55 teams tackled 14 obstacles over the five kilometre rugged course in a torrential downpour.

Under a sunny sky, this year’s 50 teams took on new obstacles, including some built by Quinte West fire fighters and are replicas of equipment used in their gruelling training exercises.

The event sponsor group Scotiabank saw one member with an ankle injury but she was able to cross the line with her team.

Dynamic Duo Andrea Critch and Corinne Whitteker

First out of the gate in heat one and first to cross the finish line were Corinne Whitteker, a nurse at Picton, and niece Andrea Critch, of Belleville.

Whitteker competed last year and said she had even more fun on the course this year.

“The obstacles were great fun this year and it was a lot warmer out there. Last year was pretty cold,” she said.

It was a first time out for Critch.

“I liked it. I’ve never done one before and I think I might do it again.”

All the participants received Grapes of Wrath dog tags at the finish line.

County participants included members of Manlow Electric, Lifesavers and Team Zamboni (above) and Menlove Ladies (below).