10th Kettlebell Long Cycle Charity Event Recap

For the past ten years I have participated in this annual charity event, traveling to different locations as it began to take shape, and for the past five I have brought it back to our gym and attached it to the anniversary party.  Seeing our members get excited to participate in a physical challenge and help the cause brings a huge smile to my face every year.

This event is special because it is so pure in nature by simply combining the things we care about the most; challenging our body and mind, doing what we love and helping others in need. No red tape, bloated bureaucracy or insincere motives. We just want to lift, raise money for those who need it and get more people on board to participate.

This past October the 1-Hour Kettlebell Long Cycle charity event celebrated its 10th anniversary.  If you do not know the history behind the event; Jason Dolby of the Orange Kettlebell Club (OKC), decided nine years ago he wanted to celebrate his birthday in epic fashion by combining three things he loves most in this world: lifting kettlebells, his friends and family and helping out those who need it most.

Over the past ten years this event has gone from 19 lifters in Southern California at the First Long Cycle Charity event, to over 760 lifters, and 67 satellite locations representing 15 countries.  This year Jason teamed up with  Wounded Warrior Project and pulled off one of the most special events to date.

There were 190 kettlebell lifters from 21 teams, representing three countries (Germany, Canada and the United States) who all lifted and raised $17,200 for the event.

Rise Above was once again a satellite location where we had 27 lifters, 15 of whom completed the whole hour solo and the rest were on relay teams of two.  Not only did everyone make the whole hour, the Rise Above community came up big with their charitable support.  Our gym alone raised $4,050 for Wounded Warrior Project.

I am truly proud of the Rise Above community for not only supporting the cause financially but also coming in to participate in the kettlebell lifting marathon.

As always I could not have done any of this without much support including: Jeff of MoveWell for bringing high quality physical therapy to Rise Above and Debra who is the creative genius behind the design and execution of all of the posters, fliers, monthly newsletters and online work that goes into the business.

I also want to thank my family for their continued support and especially to my sister for helping me with the articles, the blog and other publications.  A very special thanks goes out to the entire Rise Above community who supports the gym and finds pleasure in fitness with us.

Lastly, I would like to thank all of you who subscribe to the email list.  I greatly appreciate you reading the articles and watching the videos.  I do my best to provide you with the best strength and conditioning insights.  I would not have lasted 11 years without the support of my subscribers.  I hope to have all of you come by the gym to visit, workout or compete at the next anniversary party and lift some kettlebells for charity with us.