At the beginning of the year, many individuals across the globe were steadfast in their resolutions for 2024. Arguably, the most popular resolution of them all is getting fit and staying active. Sports facilities around the country see the growing demand for accessible fitness and social programs as an opportunity to launch new initiatives supporting their community’s health and wellness goals.
From comprehensive fitness classes to interactive social events, these venues are going above and beyond to create an inclusive and supportive environment for members and guests.
The 100-Mile Challenge: Morristown Landing – Morristown, TN
Morristown, Tennessee’s newest destination for community health, wellness, and athletics, Morristown Landing, has an exciting challenge unfolding for the year 2024: The 100 Mile Challenge. With the slogan, “One Community, One Goal, 100 Miles,” the venue is inviting everyone to be a part of this legacy. Running from January 1st to December 31, 2024, the 100 Mile Challenge welcomes all members of the community to embrace new goals and, perhaps, take a couple of steps out of their comfort zone.
The 100 Mile Challenge is simple. Should you choose to accept it, you must run, walk, or swim 100 miles throughout 2024. Traveling roughly the distance from Morristown to Ashville, NC in a year is simple, but it will be a test of endurance and commitment. One that’s open to everyone, regardless of their member status.
Breanna Hall, Morristown Landing’s marketing coordinator, enthusiastically shared her insights about the 100 Mile Challenge. “We built this program to inspire our community members to push their fitness boundaries. We wanted to create a challenge that would not only increase their physical fitness but also foster a sense of friendly competition and accountability among participants.”
Registration is available at any time, in-person or online. Once registered, participants will be able to track their miles or laps through an online mile tracker on the honor system, reinforcing the values of honesty and integrity. Accurate information entry and work submission will be essential to keep track of progress.
Participants can choose to complete the 100 miles by walking or running on Morristown Landing’s indoor track or a treadmill. Their indoor track measures an eighth of a mile, meaning that by the end of the 100-mile challenge, participants will have completed 800 laps around the track or 100 miles on the treadmill.
For those who prefer the water, the swimming challenge offers a unique opportunity. The competitive swimming standard for one mile is 1,650 yards. Participants can swim their laps at any time during opening hours. The aim is to swim 100 miles in a year, thereby pushing oneself and fellow swimmers to new fitness levels.
Hall continued, “Our primary objective with this program is to promote a healthier lifestyle within our community. The 100 Mile Challenge encourages regular physical activity, which has numerous health benefits, including improved cardiovascular health, increased strength and endurance, and better mental wellbeing.”
The rewards for achieving this feat are not just limited to the personal satisfaction of completing the challenge. If a participant manages to hit 100 miles for the year, they will qualify for a commemorative t-shirt and a medal, serving as tangible reminders of their accomplishment.
On the impact of the program, Hall shared, “The response from our community has been overwhelmingly positive. Many participants are embracing the challenge and are already seeing the benefits in their health and fitness levels. It’s inspiring to see how much of a positive impact this challenge is having on our community.”
Weather the Storm Triathlon: The Bridge Sports Complex – Bridgeport, WV
In Bridgeport, West Virginia, The Bridge Sports Complex is set to host the “Weather the Storm” Triathlon on Saturday, August 3, 2024. This thrilling event is part of a commitment to promote a healthy lifestyle and to inspire individuals to set new fitness goals. Open to individuals at various levels of fitness, from those setting their very first health objectives to seasoned competitors aiming for new personal bests, the triathlon represents a chance to experience personal growth through physical activity.
“The ‘Weather the Storm’ Triathlon serves multiple purposes,” shared Madolyn Kloster, Marketing Manager for The Bridge Sports Complex. “It promotes a healthier lifestyle within our community, it encourages participants to regularly challenge themselves physically and mentally, and it creates an inclusive platform for mutual support.”
Participants in the triathlon will receive a swim cap and shirt as part of their registration package. The event is divided into several categories to cater to different age groups and skill levels. For young athletes aged 12 years and under, the Kids Triathlon includes a 100-yard swim, a 1-mile bike ride, and a 100-yard dash.
For those aged 10 years and over, two other categories are available. The Super Sprint category, open only to individual participants, comprises a 400-meter swim, a 6.2-mile bike ride, and a 1.5-mile run. The Sprint category, which can be undertaken by a team or an individual, includes a 750-meter swim, a 12.4-mile bike ride, and a 3.1-mile run. Teams in the Sprint category can consist of either 2 or 3 members, providing an excellent opportunity for friends or family to work together towards achieving their personal fitness goals.
As for training, Kloster advised, “Our facility offers a range of training programs that can help participants prepare for the Triathlon. These include performance training for soccer and volleyball, weightlifting for youth, strength and conditioning training, group fitness classes, and swim lessons. We also have club leagues that provide a competitive environment for those looking to push their limits.” The complex’s coaches are dedicated to helping athletes of all levels improve their skills and stamina, ensuring they are ready to weather any storm that comes their way during the triathlon.
“The ‘Weather the Storm Triathlon’ will be more than just a race, it will highlight the power of determination, dedication, and teamwork,” said Kloster. “Whether you are a seasoned athlete or a beginner making a New Year’s resolution to get fit, this event will inspire you to reach new heights in your fitness journey this year.”
Sand Mountain Park & Amphitheater – Albertville, AL
Sand Mountain Park & Amphitheater (SMPA), a flourishing 130-acre park in Albertville, Alabama, is renowned for its commitment to wellness, sports, and community engagement. Stepping into the new year, the facility has introduced exciting fitness and social programs for 2024. SMPA understands that achieving fitness goals and expanding social circles go hand-in-hand, contributing to holistic wellness. These initiatives are not only aligned with the spirit of new beginnings but are expressly tailored to foster personal wellness and community building—core tenets that are at the heart of SMPA’s mission. By participating in these programs, individuals can not only enhance their physical well-being but also forge meaningful relationships.
Brent Boatwright, General Manager of Sand Mountain Park & Amphitheater, shed light on the inception and purpose of the newly introduced programs – the “Buzz Club” and Body Pump. “The idea behind these programs was born out of a need to create more diverse offerings for our community. We wanted to cater to different interests, and therefore, Body Pump and the ‘Buzz Club’ came into existence.”
The first new social program launched this year is the ‘Buzz Club,’ a convivial wine-tasting event that provides an enticing blend of fine wines, mouthwatering small bites, delightful music, and good company. The inaugural Buzz Club event was held on January 19, 2024, and was an instant hit amongst attendees. The park plans to schedule more of these vibrant evenings in the future, offering a unique opportunity for locals to socialize and unwind at their favorite local recreation venue.
On the fitness front, SMPA kicked off 2024 with the launch of the Les Mills Body Pump program at their fitness center. This renowned workout program combines weightlifting, cardio, and plyometrics to provide a comprehensive workout that aims to enhance strength, agility, and endurance. The first session was conducted bright and early on the morning of January 13, 2024, with shiny new equipment and certified instructors ready to guide attendees through the invigorating workout. The best part? Non-members were invited to join the fun without a drop-in fee.
The Les Mills Body Pump program not only facilitates physical well-being but also promotes a sense of community amongst participants. The inaugural session was a resounding success, with attendees enjoying not just an intense workout, but also healthy snacks, giveaways, and the opportunity to bond with fellow fitness enthusiasts. This program is set to join the extensive list of group fitness sessions offered by SMPA, which are available on a recurring basis.
“These initiatives contribute to enhancing community engagement, fostering social connections, and improving overall health and wellness,” Boatwright mentioned. “We are thrilled with the way the community has embraced these programs. The interest and excitement have been beyond our expectations.”
