Urban Purpose hosts 4th annual challenge

With summer vacation keeping people from their exercise routine, Urban Purpose offers a way to make up for some of that time lost. 

On Aug. 27, the staff will host the fourth annual Urban Purpose Challenge at Shades Mountain Baptist Church. The event will be a 5K race, Team WOD Competition, and the Kid’s Mess Fest. President Jim McFarland and business partner Mark Jenkins said they hope to exceed last year’s amount of about $19,000. 

 “We would love to have 550 runners, athletes and volunteers this year compared to the 400 from last year,” Jenkins said. “We’re also hoping to recruit 80 teams for the Team Wod, adding more to the 46 teams from last year.”

Improvements to the event include dividing the Team Wod Competition into RX and scaled sections. Advanced athletes can sign up for RX, and beginners and intermediates can participate in the scaled division. Clocks will be stationed throughout the course to track timing.

“Something new that we are doing is awarding prizes to the top three gyms that bring in the most participants. We only awarded one gym last year,” Jenkins said. “The teams will also feature male, female and coed teams.”

As a nonprofit organization, Urban Purpose provides guidance for people previously involved with drug and alcohol addictions. Staff members like McFarland and Jenkins help those find employment and health services.

“We helped a couple with two children dealing with a drug addiction. Now, they’re back on their feet, both working full time, taking care of their family and are training to run in the 5K,” Jenkins said.

Sign up will be until Aug. 15, $45 for the 5K and $250 per team. The Kid’s Mess Fest will be $10. Register at urbanpurpose.org.