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Thursday, November 12, 2026Nov 12

A YMCA military fitness challenge will raise money for cancer survivors class

Staff photo by Matt Hamilton / Senior Program Director Caroline Tindell puts weight on a sled for Chetta Crawford on Feb. 27, 2025, at the North River YMCA.
Staff photo by Matt Hamilton / Senior Program Director Caroline Tindell puts weight on a sled for Chetta Crawford on Feb. 27, 2025, at the North River YMCA. Staff photo by Matt Hamilton / Senior Program Director Caroline Tindell puts weight on a sled for Chetta Crawford on Feb. 27, 2025, at the North River YMCA.

At the North River YMCA, the staff sees a parallel between how soldiers prepare for battle and how cancer patients prepare to fight their disease.

On Saturday, community members will participate in the branch’s Built for Battle challenge, a military-style fitness competition, Marissa Bell, chief marketing officer for the YMCA of Metropolitan Chattanooga, said in a news release.

The test is a part of an event series raising funds for the nonprofit’s Livestrong classes, she said in an interview. All money raised from competition entries will go toward the program, which is a free, 12-week class for any cancer survivor to help them physically and emotionally as they transition out of treatment to regular life.

Registration is still open for adults and children for $35 and $20, respectively, and the challenge is open to both members and nonmembers. The event will take place at 10 a.m., at 4138 Hixson Pike.

MILITARY SYMBOLISM