Volunteer event Director Garth Finch says that in 2006 the idea of adding a “total fitness experience” by way of offering nonrunning competitions, was introduced. Finch says, “The Pump N’ Run competition was a way for the Flying Pig to expand the demographics of the event, and attract different types of athletes. And we all know that there are other very fit ‘gym rats’ who simply hate to run, so these events would attract those groups as well.”
Participants at this year’s Flying Pig can choose from the following fitness competitions, which include rowing, running, weight lifting and more:
Pump N' Run Challenge (running and weightlifting combo): Designed for runners, cross trainers and weight lifters, the Pump N' Run reduces a contestant's overall event run time, based on how many times he/she can bench press a percentage of their body weight. The Flying Pig offers this full fitness option for all running races (5K, 10K, half and full marathon), and there is a lighter lift-weight formula for half and full marathon runners. Participants will earn personal achievement medals such 10-Pump Club, 20-Pump Club and 30-Pump Club medals based upon their bench rep totals, as well as age group awards based upon net run time (run time less lift handicap). In addition, the top five males and top five females with the highest number of bench press repetitions before the race will compete in the post-race Pump-Off Championship just before the awards ceremony (offered for Pump N' Run 5K and 10K events only). Two person team competitions are offered at no extra charge for the following team divisions: two male, two female and co-ed, one male/one female.
Pump N' Curl Challenge (hi-rep weightlifting-only): This is a nonrunning event where athletes will perform bench press reps and curl reps with the lift-weight determined by body weight, age and gender. Like the Pump N' Run events, there will be personal achievement awards, 10-Pump Club, 20-Pump Club and 30-Pump Club medals, and also awards for the overall bench press champion, curl champion, and "total weight" champion. The top five males and top five females with the highest bench press total in the preliminary round will compete in the Pump-Off Championship Round.
Pump, Curl N' Row Challenge (lifting and rowing combo): For this nonrunning event, athletes will compete for the same awards as described above in the Pump N' Curl Challenge, but rowing is added to the mix. Participants perform bench press reps, rest 15 seconds, and follow this with bicep curl reps and a 30 second rest. The last part of the competition is a race for speed in a 500 meter row using a Concept 2 rowing machine. The row time is reduced by one second for each bench press and curl repetition, and the fastest net row time is the winner.
The Gauntlet: This nonrunning event is a total fitness experience, and adds medicine ball sit-ups, jump rope and step-ups to the Pump, Curl N' Row competition.
Fitness competitions are held April 29-30. Check the website for times and location. For more information, go online to www.pumpandrunrace.com and www.flyingpig marathon.com.
Marjie Gilliam is an International Sports Sciences Master certified personal trainer and fitness consultant. She owns Custom Fitness Personal Training Services, LLC. Write to her in care of the Dayton Daily News, call her at (937) 878-9018 or send email to marjie@ohtrainer.com. Her website is at www.ohtrainer.com.
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