NEW YORK, November 29, 2011 /PRNewswire/ --

A team of sales executives from global business events company GDS International completed a 'mud-crawling, fire-leaping, extreme run from hell' on behalf of Autism Speaks.

The Warrior Dash (http://warriordash.com) is a fierce running series held on the most challenging and rugged terrain across the globe - a mud-crawling, fire-leaping, extreme run from hell.

This year, two teams of sales executives from global business events company GDS International (http://www.gdsinternational.com) decided to take part in the New York event to raise funds for the company's charitable foundation (http://www.gdsfoundation.com).

All monies raised went to help charities that work with autism spectrum disorder children and young people.

Forget the mud, fire, and barbed wire; a rigorous (so they say) training regime did for the men's team. Turned ankles and pulled muscles meant it was all down to the ladies on race day. And they did GDS proud.

Lauren Merritt, Melody Andoy, Andrea Klein faced the twelve obstacles with the cheering of 'official motivator' Stefani Seals ringing loud in their ears.

"The dash was a lot of fun!" Says Lauren. "Trekking through mud, crawling through tunnels, climbing 20 foot walls, battling a junkyard full of cars, and mud, mud and more mud… good for your skin, not so good for your hair, nails, and eyes."

"Getting off the van in Skirmish, Pennsylvania at 6am was pretty intimidating," says Melody. "There were huge men and rows of fire everywhere. Crossing that finish line was definitely the highlight of my day!"

"I heard about the challenge through some friends who did it and loved it," says Andrea. "After the race we got sprayed with fire hoses to add to the pain or numb it. I was too delusional at this point to tell the difference. All I know is the massive turkey legs and cold beers gave us enough energy to drag ourselves back to the van. It was an awesome experience."

Andrea dedicated her participation to her sister, who is affected by autism.

GDS International would like to congratulate all three ladies for completing the challenge and helping to raise over $50,000 for autism charities in the U.S., U.K., and Australia.

You can read more about GDS International's charity plans for 2012 on the blog of its chairman, Spencer Green - http://spencergreen.net/

About GDS International:

GDS International is one of the most innovative events and media companies worldwide and a globally renowned producer of business-to-business summits, conferences, online information and advisory group gatherings.

Founded in 1993, GDS International specialises in meeting the B2B marketing needs of our clients. Having a strong presence in mature industrial sectors but a finger on the pulse of emerging markets - as well as up-and-coming B2B business verticals - means we are perfectly placed to capitalise on the exciting developments brought about by the advent of a globalised economy.

Our value proposition is simple: we deliver tangible business results from world-class events. http://www.gdsinternational.com

Contact:  Hannah Duffie, Hannah@gdsinternational.com, +441179214000

SOURCE GDS International