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Date: 6/20/2023
HOLYOKE — In celebrating Pride Month, Nasty Habit CrossFit and Holyoke Rows have partnered to present the first ever Marathon for Pride.
On Saturday, June 24 doors will open at 9 a.m. at the Nasty Habit CrossFit building located at 68 Winter St. in Holyoke before the event begins at 10 a.m. This marathon will not involve runners however, but teams of up to six people either rowing 42,195 meters or biking 60 miles inside the facility.
Teams of up to six people will either row the 42,195 meters on the Concept2 Rower or bike 60 miles on the Echo bike. There is room for 16 row teams and two bike teams’ total with each team entry costing $150. Registration is first come first served and can be found on https://marathonforpride2023.wodifylive.com.
This is the second year the two parties have collaborated on a charity event tied to physical activity, as last year they put on an individual weightlifting event. Nasty Habit CrossFit offers group CrossFit classes, nutrition coaching, one-on-one fitness sessions and kid’s classes through a supportive and inclusive environment. Holyoke Rows started in 2000 and the nonprofit community boathouse offers something for everyone from kayaking to veteran’s dragon boating.
This time around, Owner of Nasty Habit CrossFit David Vooris said they were looking to expand the event in the community.
“This year we wanted to do a team indoor rowing event to bring even more of our community, family and friends,” Vooris said.
Raffle tickets will be available during the event thanks to prizes donated by local businesses. The variety of prizes include a one hour deadlift session, one month of music lesions at Descant music and art studio, a $75 gift certificate to Beauty and the Brow, a kids summer fun bucket, four admission passes to the Holyoke Children’s Museum, a $50 Amazon gift card, two $50 gift cards for Skyline Beer Co., and much more in merchandise and other gifts.
Money raised at last year’s event was donated to the OUT Foundation and funds raised this year will go there again. The OUT Foundation’s mission is to remove the barriers that block LGBTQ+ individuals’ access and participation in fitness, health and wellness to ensure their success. The organization is dedicated to nurturing, empowering and celebrating LGBTQ+ bodies and minds.
Vooris added as owner of Nasty Habit, he feels it’s important that everyone is welcomed and feels welcomed in his facility.
“I hear all too often from folks that they would love to find a place they feel welcomed at and fit in. And because of this, they never are able to keep to a fitness routine,” Vooris said. “Being healthy should be and is for everyone! Our facility is included on The OUT Foundation’s Inclusive Fitness Finder, so we are recognized by them as a LGBTQ+ friendly fitness space. Myself and our team of coaches are always grateful we here at Nasty Habit CrossFit can be that place for so many.”