More than 600 participants and volunteers turned out for this year’s Spartan Dash, a PTO fundraiser for Lakeview Elementary and Solon Intermediate School that combined physical challenges with strong local business support.
The course featured 12 obstacles, each sponsored by area businesses and organizations, including stations like “Spartan Wall,” “Human Hamster Wheel,” “Spartan Ninja Warrior” and “Rope-A-Dope & Walk the Plank.” Additional obstacles such as “Stretching Station,” “Big Mouth,” “Gladiator,” “Get Low & Go,” “Beast Mode,” “Spartan Decontamination,” “The Muscle Mover” and “Car Wash” offered a mix of endurance, strength, and agility challenges for participants of all ages.
“We’ve been preparing since January,” said Nicole Rodriguez, one of the lead organizers of the dash. “My team and I were in charge of organizing, sponsorships and the obstacles to make this a really fun and successful event for the Lakeview and Solon Intermediate School PTO.”
Rodriguez said the event relied heavily on sponsorships to bring each obstacle to life and keep the fundraiser engaging for students.
“All of the obstacles are sponsored by different businesses,” she said.
Sponsors included a range of local groups, from Amped Physical Therapy and Performance and Bridge Community Bank to the Solon American Legion and Solon Women’s Club, highlighting the large community investment in the event. Other sponsors included local businesses, financial institutions, health providers, and community organizations, each contributing to the success of individual stations along the course.
“We set up all day yesterday and today,” Rodriguez said, emphasizing the teamwork required to make the event a success. “It takes a lot of people to make something like this happen.”
Rodriguez said the turnout reflected months of work and strong local support.
“We’re really thankful for all the families who came out to support,” she said. “A lot of great volunteers and community support.”
Participants and volunteers said the event was both fun and purposeful, creating an environment that encouraged both physical activity and community engagement.
“It’s been a good experience,” said volunteer Quinn Armentrout, who was stationed at the “Gladiator” obstacle. “It’s fun seeing everyone out here.”
Armentrout said volunteering allowed her to interact with participants throughout the day and see the excitement firsthand.
“It’s just fun being part of it,” she added.
Other attendees emphasized the fundraiser’s impact and its role in supporting local schools.
“It’s just another good reason to get out of the house,” said Trevor Beardshear, who attended the dash with his wife, Taylor, and their three children. “All the money goes to the PTO, so it’s for a good cause.”
Beardshear said events like the Spartan Dash provide a way for families to stay active while supporting education.
“It’s something the kids enjoy, and it helps the schools,” he said.
With obstacles spread across the course and hundreds of runners participating throughout the morning, Rodriguez said the Spartan Dash continues to grow as both a fundraiser and a community event.
“It’s been a great day,” Rodriguez said. “We’re really happy with how everything turned out.”