Vernon Contingent Takes On Rugged Maniac Race ... For A Cause

SOUTHWICK, MA — A team of athletes from across Connecticut's AnyTime Fitness network recently competed in the New England Rugged Maniac Race in Southwick, MA.

The Rugged Maniac Race is promoted as "the greatest obstacle course race ever concocted" with
the "world’s largest mud pits" and "the most obstacles per mile of any race on the planet."

The New England race was staged over a grueling 5k distance with more than 25 challenging obstacles ranging from a climb over 15-foot-high cargo nets, hopping fences and walls to commando-style crawling under barbed wire through mud to jumping over trenches and fire pits.

Team members from Vernon included Kelly Pitney (a relative of Rock and Roll Hall of Famer Gene Pitney) and Laureen St. Germaine. Joining them was Michael Purcaro, Vernon's town administrator and emergency and risk management director.

"It was one of the best days of my life," Pitney said. "At the event, there was an amazing sense of community. Everyone supported each other and helped each other out. No one was
left behind. I left with a tremendous sense of pride and accomplishment."

Purcaro, who completed the race including all of the obstacles in less than 45 minutes, was one of the first on the team to cross the finish line.

"Intensely fun, physically and mentally challenging, and, most importantly, all for a great cause," he said. "What was also great about this event was the extreme level of camaraderie. Even though
we were all competing against each other, participants made the time to offer one another words of encouragement and a helping hand throughout the obstacle course."

Exemplifying this level of camaraderie was Jonathan Killam, a professional trainer and coach at Anytime Fitness in Ellington that serves north central Connecticut.

"Nothing great was ever accomplished without enthusiasm," Killam said. "That's what our team, the Purple Maniacs, wholeheartedly brought to this regional fundraiser and competition."

The event raised more than $6,500 for the St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, whose mission is to find a cure and end childhood cancer.

"Overall, our team did fantastic with some members finishing the course in under an hour,"
Killam said.

The Rugged Maniac mud run competition and fundraiser is hosted in multiple cities across the
United States and Canada and many participants have already registered for the next New
England race.

"I can't wait to go back and compete again next year," Pitney said.