A physical fitness challenge supports the health of the environment this weekend.
The second annual Iron-Bound Gym Games will be held Saturday, featuring an obstacle course with 12 different elements to test strength. A portion of the proceeds go to a park with an eco-friendly mission.
Last year the event was held outside the gym in New Town, but this year comes to Eco Discovery Park. Scott Grafton, the owner of Iron-Bound Gym, said the park was a great match for the physical program.
He called the park an active area, where guests already have an appreciation for fitness activities.
“That’s what we’re all about, to have fun but being physically challenging as well,” Grafton said.
Praising the nonprofit’s owner Steve Rose on his zeal for trying different things, Grafton said they have worked together to incorporate the park, which aims to educate and inspire the community about the natural world, into the games.
Starting at 9 a.m. participants will be hands-on with natural elements, including a water component, though there will not be any swimming. Grafton and Rose, along with Matt Midnight of CrossFit 1607, collaborated to design the many stages of the course.
Grafton said those competing should have some degree of fitness prowess and be up for a challenge, but need not worry if they cannot complete every aspect of the course.
“In every division if you don’t have the capability of doing something, you can scale that down to where you’re comfortable,” he said. Daunted challengers can also take a time penalty and move on the next segment.
Weights are automatically reduced for those who register in the 45 and older division.
Safety is the foremost concern, Grafton said, with volunteers stationed at each step to make sure participants are performing tasks safely and correctly, and also to oversee the scaling back process.
With room for one or two people on the course at a time, the entire run should take between eight and 14 minutes. Team registration is also available for those wishing to pair up to complete the feat.
For those not feeling up to the challenge, Grafton said there is plenty of bleacher space for spectators to cheer on contestants. Food and drinks will be available from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., with a DJ providing music throughout the day.
“It’s kind of like a party atmosphere,” Grafton said. “It’s really fun to watch and root people on, too.”
There are prizes for winners, but Grafton learned last year that participants were more interested in completing the race and having fun than an award. All who enter the games will receive a T-shirt and drink ticket for after the race.
Click here to register through the Iron-Bound Gym website. The cost is $35 each for gym members and $40 for non-members. A co-ed team of members is $60, with non-member teams $70.
Registration is due Wednesday to provide a tentative schedule of start times.
After Wednesday, the price increases by $10 in each category and registration is available only at the event.
Watch a video by Keith Reagan of last year’s game below.
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