Tompkins Weekly

Hangin’ Tough: ICG’s annual Tough Turtle race returning for 5th year of raising funds



By Rob Montana
Tompkins Weekly

ITHACA – Five years ago, the Ithaca Children’s Garden brought the area its first adventure obstacle race – the Tough Turtle.
Incorporating the Garden area, as well as elements of the Waterfront Trail and Cass Park, the inaugural 5K course was filled with creative obstacles meant to reflect the area and offer nods to the sponsoring businesses. A fundraiser for the Children’s Garden, the Tough Turtle is returning for its 5th year, on Saturday, May 6.

ICG Executive Director Erin Marteal said the idea for the first Tough Turtle event came after discussions about creative ways the non-profit could raise money for its operations. The thought was also that fund-raising efforts should help increase awareness about what the Children’s Garden had to offer the community.
“We wanted to do something original, and unique, and something that wouldn’t step on the toes of other signature Ithaca events. I have always enjoyed sports and quirky, physical challenges and my initial idea involved a lot of multifunctional obstacles, like digging fence post holes, weeding, or turning garden beds as part of the course,” said Marteal. “It was a true ‘aha moment’ – not only would an obstacle course be a great fit with our mission of getting folks outdoors in a healthy, fun way, but the idea was a perfect match for the advantages of our unique location at the junction of Cass Park, Black Diamond Trail, and Cayuga Waterfront Trail.
A friend of mine pointed to a very similar event run by her cousin in New Hampshire, the Wason Pond Pounder, which gave us some good fodder for developing the concept and pitching it to stakeholders. There was a huge amount of energy around bringing the event to life,” she added. “The initial group of community partners came up with the awesome event title which pays homage to our turtle giantess, Gaia, who is accurately modeled after a real snapping turtle. If you’ve ever met a snapping turtle, you know they’re tough.”
That first year, Marteal said, far surpassed the expectations for the event.
“We were cautioned by experienced event planners to temper our expectations of the first year to break-even, understanding that first year events are usually setting the foundations for future revenue,” she said, giving the figures to illustrate why the actual results surpassed what was anticipated. “We netted more than $60,000 and sold out all 600 spaces in the first 24 hours of registration.”

Number 5

It takes events about five years, said Event Director Elaine Springer, citing her experience as an event planner, “to be fully formed, to experience success and setbacks, to put procedures in place, and to become well known and well loved.”
The course, still in its final development phase, will test competitors on their ability to climb, sprint, crawl and slide through the obstacle course, that will incorporate the Waterfront and Black Diamond trails.
“We spend the entire year brainstorming new obstacles and working with our sponsors and our principle carpenter, Alan Vogel, to make those obstacles come to fruition,” said Springer. “We want the course to be challenging, but safety and racer comfort levels are our number one priority. For example, we are careful not to place climbing obstacles directly after obstacles that involve a lot of mud or water, and we stagger the challenge levels of each obstacle.”
A significant new aspect of this year’s event is a 10K distance option for racers.
“This year we are taking advantage of the completed Black Diamond Trail to add a 10K option, which we hope will appeal to competitive runners,” Springer said, adding that part of the course is still in development. “Because it is difficult to gain vehicle access to these areas, there will be limited obstacles as racers venture further from the Garden. We think more seasoned runners will enjoy stretching their legs and enjoying the scenery.”
Also new this year is a post-race party, Springer said, “sponsored by Ithaca Bakery/Collegetown Bagels and Ithaca Beer, and we are working on booking live entertainment which will be placed throughout the course.”
The race is a bit later than usual this year, moved into May because of when the Easter holiday and area school breaks fall on the calendar.
“We are looking forward to warmer weather for our 5th year celebration,” Springer said.
Children not old enough to take part in the main Tough Turtle course will have the opportunity to tackle the more age-appropriate Tough Turtle Junior course, which does not require advance registration.
“I think one of the best parts of the event is the sense of community and genuine happiness racers, sponsors, volunteers, spectators, and Ithaca Children’s Garden staff exude during the event,” Springer said. “It is such a great feeling to feel like you are a part of something that helps to make the world a better place.”
Marteal encouraged people to sign up for and compete in the Tough Turtle – at least once.
“The fun factor on the Tough Turtle, whatever your age, is off the charts. Once you’ve done it, you’ll want to come back for more,” she said. “And, it’s a positively perfect stress management strategy.”

Getting Involved

Springer said those who aren’t taking part in competing could support the event by volunteering, donating or coming out as a spectator.
“We encourage those who cannot run the race to join us as volunteers – it takes more than 100 volunteers just on race day alone to make the day a success,” she said. “For those who are interested in donating, we have made it very easy to donate to our GiveGab campaign. We also love to have people join us at the Garden on race day to help cheer on our racers.”
“We are so appreciative of the support of our community – sponsors, racers, volunteers who are joining us for the first time, or who are coming back after supporting ICG and Tough Turtle in the past,” Springer added. “We are thrilled to be celebrating this 5th year anniversary, and looking forward to fostering team spirit, building community, and challenging competitive thrill seekers, families, and participants of all ages and experience levels.”
Because of the support from event sponsors, all money raised through event registration and FundRACING directly supports the Ithaca Children’s Garden.
About 20 percent of the Ithaca Children’s Garden operating budget comes from funds raised through the Tough Turtle, Marteal said, calling it a “tremendous impact.”
“Many people don’t realize that ICG does not receive any city or state funding, and is responsible for 100 percent of costs associated with operating the 3-acre public garden,” she said. “The Tough Turtle allows ICG to serve 69,000 visitors to the Garden annually, and 8,100 through direct programming. It supports our scholarship fund which ensures all children are able to participate. It keeps the Garden open and free every day of the year from dawn to dusk.
“Many people are wakening to how crucial local support is for preserving and cultivating access to resources – including safe, ecologically rich green spaces – that we want for all residents of Tompkins County, regardless of background, creed, affiliation, or orientation,” Marteal added. “ICG is strongly devoted to ensuring the Garden and programs are accessible, welcoming and inclusive to all and always invite feedback on how we can improve.”
To learn more, or to register yourself or a team, visit www.toughturtleithaca.com. Spaces are limited and the race fills up quickly. Find the Tough Turtle Facebook page for obstacle and prize reveals, and other special race content.

 

 

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *