There is no fee to participate this year, thanks to funding underwritten by Wabtec. Each participant will receive a commemorative t-shirt, finisher’s medal, and admission to the post-event celebration. While there will be some free snacks and water, you may bring your own or bring cash to purchase food and beverages from our vendors.

Lake Erie Odyssey | Barber National Institute

Q: 1. What is the age for registering?

Registration is open for anyone age 12 or older (as of the day of the event).

Q: 2. Is the course accessible to me?

Yes! The course has been adapted for all disabilities. The course is designed for your wheelchair, walker, or other mobility device. If you get tired, you can take a break. If you want to skip an obstacle, you can just go around. It's all OK!

Q: 3. What are the obstacles like?

The obstacles include going up and down ramps, rowing a boat, pulling lightly-weighted objects, carrying objects and navigating obstacles set up on the pavement. Many can be adjusted to meet height and size preferences for participants.

Q: 4. Can I bring a friend along to help?

We encourage everyone to bring an able-bodied course buddy. They must be age 18 or older and sign a waiver the day of the event.

Q: 5. What if I don't have a buddy available?

We can provide a buddy, or if you prefer to do the course alone, there are many enthusiastic volunteers along the course and at every obstacle to assist.

Q: 6. How long does the event take?

You will be given a starting time, and we ask that you be there at least 15 minutes before you are scheduled to start. Participant start times begin at 11 a.m. If you pre-register, you will be contacted via email with your scheduled start Once on the course, you set your own pace. Some people complete the course in 20 minutes and others can take up to an hour.

Q: 7. Where should we park?

Free parking is available at Waldameer’s west parking lot: 1 Waldameer Road (or 3100 West Lake Road, Erie). There will be rows of handicapped parking spots near the entrance to the event registration.

Q: 9. I have other questions — who can I call?

We are happy to answer questions. Call 814-874-5640 or email us at BNIevents@barberni.org. We try to get back to everyone within two business days.

Q: 10. What is the deadline to register?

Registration is available online through August 31. We will have registration the day of the event, but we will not be able to guarantee participant t-shirts to those who register after the July 31 deadline.

The pool is now open for public access and private swim lessons! Learn More.

Lake Erie Odyssey

Adapted Obstacle Course

Thank you to our paticipants, volunteers, and vendors for making the inaugural Lake Erie Odyssey an epic journey to remember!

We hope to see you in 2027 for next year's adventure!

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Lake Erie Odyssey is a one‑of‑a‑kind adventure celebrating courage and pure ability. Teens and adults with an intellectual or developmental disability are invited to join us on September 12, to experience Waldameer Park in Erie, Pa., like never before, transformed into an adapted obstacle course unlike anything in the country.

We’ll wind you along colorful park pathways with Waldameer’s iconic rides rising above the route like bold landmarks along the journey. Choose your challenge at every obstacle – push, pull, tug, or carry – and move at a pace that feels right for you. Course buddies, volunteers, and the energy of the crowd will be there to support you the whole way.

This day is about you – your choices, your wins. Every part of Lake Erie Odyssey is designed to help you see what you’re capable of achieving.

Free participation for Lake Erie Odyssey thanks to funding underwritten by Wabtec.

All participants are welcome to have an able-bodied “course buddy” accompany them. There also are many volunteers along the course to encourage and help. All obstacles are optional and can be completed by participants who are ambulatory or using a wheelchair, walker, etc.

Meet us at the finish line and inside Rainbow Gardens for food trucks, cold beer for those 21+, activities, DJ, and dancing!

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What is the age for registering?

2. Is the course accessible to me?

3. What are the obstacles like?

4. Can I bring a friend along to help?

5. What if I don't have a buddy available?

6. How long does the event take?

7. Where should we park?

8. What is the cost?

9. I have other questions — who can I call?

10. What is the deadline to register?

11. Will I receive confirmation of my registration?

12. Are my family and friends welcome?

13. Is there a post-event celebration?

14. When do I receive my participant t-shirt and bib number?

15. Will there be free snacks and water available?

16. Are there accessible bathrooms nearby?

17. Is there a quiet place to take a break if I feel overwhelmed?

18. What happens if it rains?

19. Can I volunteer for this event?

LECOM Orthopedic and Sports Medicine Official Lake Erie Odyssey Physician Team

Adam Susmarski, D.O., FACSM, RMSK, is a sports, spine, and rehabilitation medical doctor at LECOM Health since 2025. He is the head team physician for the Erie Commodores, Erie Rugby Football Club, and Gannon University Rugby. He is also a team physician for USA Wrestling, Allegheny College, Corry High School, and the Lake Erie Jackals. He is a clinical associate professor in the LECOM orthopedic sports medicine department.

Dr. Susmarski over the years has provided care to a wide range of athletes in a variety of sports encompassing athletes from high school, college, professional, military, Olympic, Paralympic, and Special Olympics levels of competition. He specializes in diagnostic musculoskeletal ultrasound, ultrasound and fluoroscopic guided procedures, and Platelet Rich Plasma (PRP) treatments.

He arrived in Erie, Pa., after serving as the head team physician at Loras College and the USHL’s Dubuque Fighting Saints, as well as the team physician for Dubuque County high schools, Dubuque Rugby Club, Dubuque Miners, Dubuque Regional Training Center (RTC), and Clarke University. Prior to that he served as a team physician and department head of the Brigade Orthopedics and Sports Medicine Medicine Department at the United States Naval Academy (USNA) in Annapolis, Md.