Goliathon: ‘It’s more than a race. It’s a mission’

MULLICA HILL, N.J. — Twice a year, the 4H Fairgrounds turn into a giant playground with warped walls, ropes, swings, tires, and plenty of muddy water. These obstacles have intimidating names like Ninja Killer and Arachnophobia. Although you’re sure to see Jamie Rahn from NBC’s America Ninja Warrior competing each year, most participants represent a wide variety of ages, fitness levels, and experience. They’re out there to have fun, to challenge themselves, and to raise money for a good cause.
There will be mud, sweat, and a few fears, but believe it or not, there are lots of smiles. Because this is more than a race. This is Goliathon.

THE MISSION

Goliathon is both Obstacle Course Race (OCR) and non-profit organization. Their tagline “It’s not a race. It’s a mission” is much more than a motivational message.

Founded in 2013, Goliathon’s mission is to provide a fun, physical challenge for the sole purpose of bringing clean water to those in need around the world.

It all began with a group of friends who shared both a love of mud runs and a passion to serve. “Goliathon was born out of a desire to bring those loves together and to work toward a greater purpose — to make a real impact in the lives of those most in need,” says Goliathon Co-Founder, Kym Stone. “The idea was birthed from experiences doing humanitarian work in Haiti following the earthquake and locally after hurricane Sandy,” she continues. “My husband Paul and I had also been doing obstacle races, some of them with the same friends who contributed to the humanitarian efforts.”

After gathering their team of 10, they spent 36 months developing a plan. The obstacles were actually designed and built by the team. The first Goliathon launched on April 26, 2014 and has been held biannually ever since (with the except of 2020).

THE RACE

Goliathlon may sound intimidating; 12 Ninja warrior style obstacles across a varying terrain spanning nearly four miles. Jumping, climbing, slipping, falling, swinging, leaping. But, would you believe it was doable for everyone?

Goliathon was the first OCR to tier each of its obstacles. So, you decide how challenging, daunting, or doable you want it to be. “We wanted to open up OCR […] to the greatest possible audience,” says Dana McFarland, Co-Founder of Goliathon. “Not just kids. Not just families. But, for people like me, who aren’t experts, OCR enthusiasts, or athletes.”

There are three tiers, or levels of difficulty. G1  is relatively easy, and perfect for the young or inexperienced participant. G2 will challenge most ‘tough mudder’ athletes. Finally, G3 is extreme, designed for  the most elite athletes. A secondary goal of creating three tiers is that teams of various ages and abilities can run together, and simply select which difficulty level they want as they approach each obstacle.

THE CHARITY

There are 663 million human beings around the world who do not have access to clean water. The purpose of Goliathlon is to support charity:water, who in turn use 100% of their donations towards sustainable water solutions in areas of greatest need.

Since its first event held in April of 2014, Goliathon has raised a total of $425,000 and completed more than 60 clean water projects supporting over 17,000 people in countries including Ethiopia, Bangladesh, Nepal, Cambodia, Malawi, and Niger. More projects still underway in countries such as Mozambique and Rwanda.

“We are thrilled to offer athletes an experience where they can have a fun, challenging and sometimes muddy experience in order to give clean, healthy drinking water to those who need it most,” says Kym. The first obstacle of every race is a reminder of why this race exists. “We always start with the water carrying and that’s to ground us and remind us why we’re here,” adds Dana. “There are people in the world who have tougher obstacles then this, and they face them every day.”

Want to tackle the Goliathon? The next race will be held on Saturday, June 4 at the 4H Fairgrounds in Mullica Hill! Sign up with a team or as an individual at www.goliathon.com.

For more information visit www.goliathon.com or email [email protected]
Follow them on Facebook at www.facebook.com/goliathon. 

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