SOUTHWICK – A television crew is seeking permits to film this year’s Rugged Maniac event Sept. 26-27 at the American Legion Post 338’s motocross track.
Joshua Sopp, a field production manager who has worked on the TV series Shark Tank and The Great Food Truck Race, requested permission to bring a small crew to Southwick.
Chief Administrative Officer Karl Stinehart told the Board of Selectmen the crew would consist of six people including two producers, camera operators, audio and PA technicians all in one mini van.
“We’re checking the codes to make sure there’s nothing that has to go through the Planning Board,” Stinehart said.
Stinehart said Police Chief David Ricardi was reviewing the request as well.
Sopp was reached by phone about the project but he said a confidentiality clause prevented him from commenting on filming the event.
Last year Rob Dickens and Bradford Scudder — the entrepreneurs behind Rugged Maniac – pitched their 5k obstacle race as a shorter, entry-level obstacle race more challenging than some, but more accessible than longer, more intense events on an episode of Shark Tank. Panel member Mark Cuban, the high-profile owner of NBA’s Dallas Mavericks, Landmark Theatres and Magnolia Pictures, agreed to invest $1.75 million in exchange for 25 percent ownership in the company.
The pair started their business in 2010 and in 2014, took their 3.1 mile course with 25+ obstacles to 20 cities all over the United States. Participants start their day slogging through mud, sliding into pools of water, running through fire hurdles, climbing over walls and more as they make their way through the 3.1 mile course. When they’re done, there’s bands, beer, and camaraderie among the “rugged” participants.
