Hardcore Caribbean on Sunday

Hundreds have been training for the event in the weeks and months leading up to this Sunday and the event has inspired many to get fit for the first time. The obstacle course challenge is open to anyone over the age of 18 years old and will feature over 20 water and land-based military-style obstacles over a more than five mile course. Obstacles are designed to level the playing field so that the fittest and the not-so-fit would be tested on their physical and mental stamina.

Hardcore attracts participants of all levels of physical fitness and last year, Independent Senator, Dr Kriyaan Singh became the first wheelchair user to cross the Hardcore finish line. Since this feat, according to a media release on the event, he has developed a passion for weight lifting and hopes to represent Trinidad and Tobago at the 2016 Paralympic Games to be held in Rio de Janiero, Brazil. He would be participating in Sunday’s challenge.

Entrants can sign up by themselves or as part of a team for the event that has been featured on international cable channel, ESPN. Hardcore is a test of strength, stamina, endurance and will-power. Teamwork is also key to success as team members are expected to support each other and the race is only considered complete if every member crosses the finish line. The event fosters camaraderie as individual entrants are helped along the way by other entrants.

Last year over 2000 competitors participated in Hardcore and challenged themselves against obstacles that included the Samaan Ladder, the Half Pike, the Electric Shock Obstacle and the Leechman. Hardcore Caribbean 2014 promises to be a mix of some old, favourite obstacles and brand new ones including a monster quarter pipe (courtesy Charles Chocolates), a giant slip and slide (courtesy Junior Sammy), mud pits (courtesy Degree deodorant) and giant monkey bar obstacles (courtesy Beacon Insurance and TOSL Engineering).

While the obstacle challenge may seem as a serious test of endurance, organisers encourage participants to maintain a healthy sense of humour throughout the competition. On that note, there are prizes for best individual and best team fancy dress.

Those making it to the finish line are invited to the Hardcore after party where hundreds are invited to celebrate their achievements and recover from the challenge. Participants will be rewarded with free Carib Pilsner Light. “We at Carib Light are always very pleased to see the level of participation and team-work put out by the competitors at Hardcore,”said Kristy Alli-Shaw, Brand Manger of Carib Light, one of the major sponsors of the event, in a Carib Light media release on the event.

“We are very aware of the growing trend in increased health and fitness activities and as such we believe that Carib Light is a complement to this. As a brand catering to those that want the full beer experience without the calories it is important to us that we support and encourage these events and we truly wish all participants the best.”

Interested participants are asked to register for the challenge on Hardcore’s website.