Foul Fundraiser Actualizes Ambitions

Cliff McLeod sprints to finish the race at the Mud Grinder Challenge at Connell Park Raceway on Saturday, September 24. The obstacle course competition was a fundraiser for the Upper River Valley Cancer Support Group. 

By Michael MacDonald

WOODSTOCK – On Saturday, September 24, a soon-to-be muddy group of people gathered at Connell Park Raceway for the inaugural Mud Grinder Challenge, a fundraising event in support of the Upper River Valley Cancer Support Group.

Julie LaPage, who runs the well-known Julie’s Bootcamp, was the driving force behind the organization of the event. She is a certified group fitness instructor, and a student at the Canadian School of Natural Nutrition.

“I’ve just grown up always surrounded by sports and fitness and I wanted something a little more competitive than a marathon race or something like that, so this is why we put together this craziness,” said LaPage.

Although LaPage’s family has not been immediately affected by cancer, she was sure of the positive work that the Upper River Valley Cancer Support Group does.

“They do so much with such a small team. There are only six of them and they do fundraising… they make little comfort kits and they send them to the hospital for anybody who’s been newly diagnosed with cancer.

“They also arrange transportation for cancer patients who have any kind of appointments in Fredericton, Moncton or Saint John.

“They also give them as much financial support as they can, so we just want to put them on the map a little bit so more people will donate,” said Lapage.

All of the participants finished the event completely covered in dirt, but that wasn’t their only reason for attending.

Andrea Bell, or Android Andy, was sure to point out all of the reasons her and her team were in attendance.

“Well, we’re here to support cancer research – supporting families with cancer. We’re here because we’re all boot camp girls, and we’re here because we all wanted to have fun.”

More than 20 teams of varying sizes registered for the event, raising more than a thousand dollars.

Amy McLeod, who has been going to Julie’s Bootcamp since it began over a year and a half ago, was quick to praise LaPage’s efforts to revitalize fitness in Woodstock.

“Julie has gotten a lot of women in Woodstock back into exercising and she’s very motivating and has done a great job for the town of Woodstock,” said McLeod.