Orangetheory Fitness Newmarket-Aurora is hosting its inaugural run to raise money for the Newmarket Food Pantry this Sunday.
The Orange Crush run takes place at Fairy Lake Oct. 27 at 10 a.m. The event promises a day filled with fun and fitness, with a five-kilometre run and a one-kilometre children’s run, with activities throughout the day, including a costume contest.
Prizes will be presented to the top three male and female runners in the five-kilometre race.
The registration fee is $45 for the five-kilometre run and $10 for the children’s run. All proceeds from the event will be donated to the food pantry.
“Times have been tough, and life is getting expensive,” said Isabelle Volpe, assistant manager. “I think it is good to give back and support the community and make sure we can give back to people who might have less or help them out.”
Attendees are encouraged to dress in their best costumes. Derochie said the event has received interest from people outside the community and is open to anyone.
“We have around 100 people registered,” said Joe Derochie, owner of Orangetheory Fitness Newmarket-Aurora. “It is more than we anticipated for our first inaugural event. We’re excited about it.”
Derochie said the studio has members who want to exercise outdoors and be challenged in different ways while giving back to a community organization. He said the food pantry needs help.
“We thought this would be a great way because it’s such a good tie-in with what we do at as a fitness studio and giving back to the food pantry in a time of need after Thanksgiving and heading into the holidays,” said Derochie. “We thought it was a good pairing.”
The fitness studio has partnered with organizations with mental health programs and fundraises for Southlake Regional Health Centre annually. They wanted to diversify their effort and reach a different charity.
“Every year, we’re going to pick someone different, but this is the one that has been speaking to us this year,” said Derochie. “We plan to do it annually.”
For more information or to sign up, visit the race event online, contact Derochie by email at [email protected] or phone at 705-207-6057. Participants can also sign up on the day of the event.
