Hot Rod Ultra pushes limits while raising money for Curbside Ministries

BOWLING GREEN, Ky. (WNKY) – The crack of bats was replaced with the sound of running shoes this weekend at Bowling Green Ballpark, where athletes took part in the Hot Rod Ultra, a 24-hour endurance event with a mission beyond the miles.

The race, founded by Kevin Winn, CEO of MUUVWELL, transforms the Bowling Green Ballpark

concourse into a looping course just over a quarter of a mile long. Runners and walkers can take on the challenge solo or as part of a relay team, testing how far they can push themselves in a single day.

“This is a 24-hour running walking event,” Winn said. “People literally just run around the concourse of the stadium… it’s one just to challenge people, see how far they can go, how far they can push themselves, what’s possible.”

The event draws competitors from far beyond Bowling Green. Winn said this year featured runners from 15 states and three countries, in addition to 123 local participants. Some athletes aim for marathon or 50K distances, while others set their sights on topping 100 miles before the clock runs out.

“We’ve had every year somebody go over 100 miles, up to 122,” Winn said. “I expect this year probably a couple people over 120 miles, and we think 8 to 10 people will hit over a hundred miles in this race.”

While the athletic feats are impressive, organizers say the event is also about something bigger: raising money for Curbside Ministries, a Bowling Green nonprofit that serves families and children in need.

Terri Sheldon, founder of Curbside Ministries, said the support is overwhelming. “Our goal is to serve those who are less fortunate and just need Jesus,” Sheldon said. “We try to meet people right where they are…geographically, spiritually, emotionally, mentally, physically.”

For Sheldon, seeing the stadium filled with runners was an emotional reminder of how far the ministry has come. “Pretty remarkable. Tears to my eyes,” she said. “I’d like to think that right now, they’re running to help out Curbside Ministry. So yeah, it’s a win-win, and it does this mama heart really, really good.”

With competitors ranging from first-timers to elite ultra-runners, Winn said the event highlights both personal achievement and community spirit. “It showcases this great community that we’re so proud to be a part of,” he said. “And it brings something totally unique and different to Bowling Green.”