Chippewa Challenge warrior dash to honor deceased ROTC cadet, fundraise
The Central Michigan University Events Center will turn into a training ground Nov. 5 for the “Chippewa Challenge” giving students a chance to test abilities to conquer military-like obstacles.
This event is in honor of ROTC cadet Dustin Kaleyta, who died Aug. 12 in a motorcycle accident. The dash will be held from noon to 4 p.m. Nov. 5 at the Events Center and the disc golf course. The event is being put on as a cooperative effort between recreation students and ROTC.
“The ‘Chippewa Challenge’ is a 3K foot race with military-like obstacles, designed like a real warrior dash to test your skills and endurance,” said event planner Grand Rapids senior Katie Birdsall. “There are indoor side competitions open to the community, ways to get involved and help out not only the ROTC here on campus, but also soldiers overseas and ultimately to honor one of our ROTC members.”
Kaleyta, of Carson City, was 21 when he died. Kaleyta was a student at Saginaw Valley State University and a cadet in CMU ROTC.
Pre-registration is from 4 to 8 p.m through Thursday at the Student Activity Center. The cost is $10 for pre-registration and $15 for day-of registration, payable in cash or check.
“Everyone should come out to this event because it’s for a great cause and it’s a cheap, fun way to spend your Saturday,” said event planner and Grand Rapids sophomore Travis Richardson.
The first 200 people to sign up are guaranteed to race. There will also be side competitions, such as a push-up contest, a pull-up contest and costume contest. Proceeds go to the ROTC.
“There will also be an opportunity to bring supplies to send to soldiers overseas,” said Grant junior Arriel Van Singel, one of the event’s planners. “The ‘Chippewa Challenge’ is open to the whole community so come out and support the troops and CMU.”
