Endemol North America – an independent producer of programming for television, cable and digital media, including the popular “Wipeout” series – has teamed with VAVi Sport & Social to launch “Wipeout Run.” The game show-inspired obstacle series will tour more than 20 cities in the U.S. and Canada beginning in March 2015. The Wipeout Run in San Diego will take place 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday, May 9, at the Del Mar fairgrounds where participants will crash, smash, and splash their way through a 5k course with 12 larger-than-life obstacles inspired by the TV show “Wipeout!” Runners will take on the Big Balls, Sweeper, Wrecking Balls, and Happy Endings obstacles. Wipeout Run is a rebranded update of VAVi’s popular Ridiculous Obstacle Challenge (ROC Race), and like the hit television series, the Wipeout Run course promises to showcase body flops, big splashes and signature wipeouts. In addition to the 5K race itself, participants and spectators will enjoy a fun-filled festival atmosphere including vendor booths, delicious food and refreshments. Wipeout Run began its nationwide tour in March and more than 250,000 people are expected to participate. Registration is open for these select North American markets at wipeoutrun.com. “Part of ‘Wipeout’s’ unique success is its ability to make people want to be a part of the experience,” said Kimilyn Whitaker, global head of franchise management for Endemol. “The new Wipeout Run will give fans a firsthand experience to enjoy the hilarious crashes and mud splashes. We have seen great success with ‘Wipeout’ branded licensees such as our top-selling games by Activision Publishing and think this experience will be another great success.” Developed in 2011 by VAVi Sport & Social in San Diego, ROC Race quickly became the fastest-growing obstacle series in the nation, hosting more than 250,000 “ROC Stars” in its first two years. The partnership between ROC Race and “Wipeout” will create the most epic 5K ever produced. “ROC was born out of the belief that people not only love watching popular game shows on television, but they want to participate, too,” says Latane Meade, president of VAVi Sport & Social. “Combining ROC Race and ‘Wipeout’ was a vision we always hoped to realize, and we’re thrilled to formalize this partnership and launch this exciting new event series.” Founded in 2002, VAVi Sport & Social is the leading provider of adult sports leagues and large scale social and running events within the social sports industry. Learn more at vavi.com. ROC Race was founded in 2011 in San Diego by VAVi. It expanded nationwide in 2013.