Time to shape up for Hercules Challenge

MIDDLETOWN, N.Y. — Hercules Entertainment will hold its new Hercules Fitness Challenge on Saturday, May 28, at the Orange County Fairgrounds in MIddletown, N.Y.

Open to people of all ages and fitness levels, the challenge tests participants’ physical and mental strength through 12 obstacles for beginner, intermediate, and elite athletes. It starts and concludes at the fairgrounds, and includes a medal ceremony and a “Hercules Challenge After Party,” with barbecue, refreshments, and music by a disc jockey and live band.

The first event, held this past October, raised $1,200 to benefit the Mental Health Association.

Organizer Damola Akinyemi said May’s challenge will include five new Herculean obstacles in addition to its 14 signature events. Additionally, the event will include a new Hercules elite category; new spectating areas throughout the course so family and friends can cheer on participants, and timing to include 5K split time.

“This event now also becomes a very family-friendly event because we’ve added a Hercules Kids race and a Hercules Kids Village,” said Akinyemi.

Race Director Brian Mieczkowski's job is to make the course easily navigable.

“There will be new directional markings, flags, tape and color-coded obstacles for each level,” he said. “And, for beginners who want to try a more advanced obstacle, they can build their confidence by trying any level obstacle.”

Orange Regional Medical Center will again be a sponsor of the event.

“The Hercules Fitness Challenge is an outstanding example of an important community event, which is aligned with Orange Regional’s mission of supporting and encouraging community health initiatives that foster good health and support the important work of our colleague non-profit organizations,” said Orange Regional Medical Center and Greater Hudson Valley Health System President and CEO, Scott Batulis.

Dr. James Oxley, Chief Medical Officer of Orange Regional Medical Center, said there were tremendous health benefits to training and participating in this event.

“The cardiovascular fitness workout opportunities are remarkable,” Oxley said. “This gives all participants an additional way of developing training regimens to improve their health.”

Town of Wallkill Supervisor Dan Depew said there's no other event like this in Orange County.

"I hope everyone finds their ‘inner’ Hercules and signs up for this event," he said.

Participants can register at herculesfitnesschallenge.com. The registration fee for individuals is $100. Teams of four or more cost $80 per person, and teens pay $75.