Deakin dash a dirty deed to do some good

Would you crawl on your belly through mud, carry a colleague on your back and slip and slide your way over a track topped with tyres to help people less fortunate than yourself?

In the name of fun and in the spirit of compassion, Deakin's medical and sports and exercise students have come up with the Deakin Dash to take the stress out of looming exams while also helping raise money for people living with diabetes in third world countries.

The Deakin Dash is a mad-cap, 5km obstacle course where competitors will be hurled with colour bombs as they negotiate obstacles like hay bales and a 15m mud bath, all while lugging sand bags and Slipping and Sliding the length of a long mat washed down with bubble bath and water.

Deakin students have devised the event themselves, determined to create a fun-filled, down-and-dirty fundraising event at which participants can have fun while keeping fit and helping raise money for insulin dependent diabetics.

Money raised from the inaugural Deakin Dash this weekend will be donated to Insulin for Life, a not-for-profit group committed to helping those living with diabetes in third world countries.

The first event of its kind organised solely by students, the Deakin Dash is supported by Deakin Sport and Recreation, Deakin University Student Association (DUSA) in partnership with YMCA Victoria.

"This is the first event of its type that has been organised by students who will one day work or volunteer overseas in their chosen careers but who are committed to making a difference where they can closer to home while they pursue their studies,'' said Deakin Sport and Recreation Strategic Advancement Officer, Andrew Crowley.

"The Deakin Dash is all about students having a good time while supporting those who benefit from the work of Insulin for Life, an international organisation founded in Melbourne which looks after people with type 1 diabetes in low-income countries around the world.''

Ten obstacles will cover the 5km course at the Waurn Ponds campus and it is up to participants to choose which of the hurdles they will either negotiate or skip. A hessian bag hop and giant A-frame structure will also dot the course.

The Deakin Dash Challenge by Choice Obstacle Course is open to everyone and will be held at the University's Waurn Ponds campus on Saturday, October 11.

Mr Crowley said the event was organised by students but is open to anyone keen to challenge themselves over an all-terrain course that has benefited by recent rains and construction work.

"Everyone has put in a lot of work to make sure the day is a success, both for the participants as well as those who will benefit by the support extended to Insulin for Life,'' he said.

"Deakin is very proud that our students are striving to make an impact of the world, helping others whilst at university. Imagine a future where these young people are our community leaders".

The first wave of participants will take off at 9am, the last wave at 9.30am. The full distance is 5km however participants will choose which of the 10 obstacles they tackle as they complete the course. Entry cost is $22 for students or $27 for people outside of Deakin. Participants are encouraged to wear gear that can get wet, muddy and covered in colour.

Tickets available at: http://www.trybooking.com/FTWR