Tackle The Tar
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Tackle the Tar 5K Obstacle Course Race
Tackle the Tar is a 5K Obstacle Course Race and Family Fun Day hosted by the Rotary Club of Rocky Mount and scheduled for May 15, 2027 at the Rocky Mount Sports Complex. The course passes through historic Battle Park and E.B. Grain Company property and includes a Tar River section, a mud pit, and more than 20 obstacles.
Distances
- 5K Obstacle Course Race through Battle Park and E.B. Grain Company property
- 1 Mile Kid's Obstacle Race for ages 8 to 13 with 8 plus obstacles
The event lists many named obstacles including the Great Tar Wall, multiple mud pits, Tire Mountain, culvert tunnels under US 64, rope net climbs, a truck and school bus crawl, and water features such as a pond dip and slip n slide. All 5K participants receive a T shirt, medal, goodie bag, and one free beer if over 21. The Kid's Obstacle Race provides a T shirt and medal and carries a stated registration fee of $30.
Age rules specify minimums and restrictions: runners must be at least 14 years old to enter the 5K; ages 14 to 15 must run with a parent or guardian and are excluded from competitive heats; ages 16 to 17 may run in fun runs with parental consent; participants 18 and older may run after completing a participation waiver.
All event proceeds fund college scholarships for local students. Since 2016 the event reports over $825,000 awarded in scholarships. Packet pickup is scheduled for the Friday and Saturday of race week. Online registration pricing ranges from $45 to $75 depending on registration date. Free online training programs are available through a partner program. Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.
