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The 24hr Fitness fall 5K run and powerlifting competition for men and women is coming up Nov. 4. 

Both events are free, but for donations of $25 or more donors will receive a gym t-shirt. All proceeds will be donated to the Greenville Animal Shelter and donors can drop off cash or check at the gym.

Gym owner Craig Waller said the 5K run will be a pet friendly event and pups can run with their owners on the route if they are leashed. 

The run will begin at the gym at 8 a.m. and will last around an hour, with the powerlifting meet set to begin at 10 a.m. at the gym on Cedar Street in Greenville. 

According to Waller, the event is aimed at building unity and community. 

“The more our community can spend time together, the closer we’re going to be,” Waller said. “This is just one other event that we want to put on to bring unity. These events are open to everybody in the community, not just our gym members. We would love everyone to join in on the fun!”

Waller explained that the powerlifting competition will consist of the “Big Three”- bench-press, deadlift and squat. There will be different weight classes and awards will be given to the winners, Waller added. Gift certificates will also be given to the first participants to finish the 5K run. 

Andy Bowen, 24hr Fitness gym member and powerlifting competitor, will be aiding in the powerlifting meet and said the plan is to make this an annual event. 

“Craig is someone who is constantly looking for ways to get the community involved in fitness,” Bowen said. “The Camelia City Showdown on Nov. 4 is geared towards beginning lifters and we encourage everyone to come participate or at least watch the event.”

He added that he believes there are many community members who would excel at powerlifting. 

“It has been my observation while at 24hr Fitness that our city has an impressive number of gym goers, both male and female, that would do very well in the sport,” Bowen said. “I’m honored and excited to be a part of bringing the sport of powerlifting to Greenville.”

Waller said the event is also geared towards helping the community stay active around the holiday months. 

“We understand that as the weather changes people begin to start gaining more weight naturally, and we just want to do a push to help stay on track as the holidays come up,” Waller said. 

To register for the 5K run or the powerlifting competition call 24hr Fitness at 334-371-4348.