D&D Fitness Factory Plans Lifting, 5K Events on April 13

WARE — D&D Fitness Factory, a co-ed training facility in Ware, invites the community to participate in two events on Sunday, April 13: the Lift for Life and the 5K Walk and Road Race. Both events are held in memory of Donna Goudreau.

 “These events are held annually, and both receive tremendous community support,” said Damien Goudreau, co-owner with Darryl Goudreau of D&D Fitness Factory. Joined by their family members and friends, they give these events a charitable twist, helping to raise funds for the Walk of Champions, to be held at the Quabbin Reservoir on Sunday, May 4.

“Whether you run or walk, come in first or just run for fun, this event is for everyone,” Goudreau added. “Now is the time to register to participate in the 5K run or the Lift for Life competition. Our early-spring morning event will also include raffles and refreshments to help kick off the excitement for those that want to come cheer us on.”

The coed lifting competition includes five men’s weight classes and two women’s classes, which include a bench press, an axle bar lift, and a truck pull. The 5K Road Race features three coed age groups — students age 19 and under, ages 20-35, and ages 36 and up — and prizes are awarded to the top finishers in each category.

“We are proud to be a local gym raising money that will help people who live in our community,” said Goudreau.  “Our program at the gym strengthens people physically, and we are honored to be part of the team that helps to lift our community members up during a cancer journey.”

The Goudreaus’ life has been touched by cancer, and they learned through their journey that a healthy dose of community support goes a long way in the fight against the disease. “Unfortunately, cancer is something that touches each person’s life in some way,” Damien said. “We put our strength together to support cancer care close to home in our community through the Baystate Regional Cancer Program at Baystate Mary Lane Hospital, something that was important to Donna and our family during her cancer journey.”

For more information or to participate in the Lift for Life or the 5K Walk and Road Race, call (413) 967-6018.