“StrongMen is a charity supporting men through the devastating impacts of grief.” #WearYourHeartOnYourSleeve

We at CrossFit RNA are going to be taking on a HUGE challenge whilst fundraising & creating awareness for a charity that is very close to home. As many of you may or may not know, one of our longest serving members John Harradine & his wife Patsi tragically lost their eldest son Gordon back in early 2024. Gordon himself was a son, a father and a friend to many, he was also an avid fitness fan, a keen surfer and a regular CrossFitter who had worked out within RNA’s walls on more than one occasion. This is an unimaginably tragic loss and one that was deeply felt within our family here at CrossFit RNA.

John or “Jonno” or “J-town” as many of us know him is not only a huge pillar of the CrossFit RNA community but he is also a leader and a role model to us all. John is someone who has been present training with the coaches long before RNA even existed (15 years now). He continues to set the standard within the gym year after year in many different ways, the first to arrive to class ALWAYS (for that little pre workout run), for many years he kick started the annual CrossFit open by being the first athlete to get the workout completed, he himself is a semi finalist in the 2025 CrossFit games but that isn’t all, John simply is that guy! The kindest soul who is always on hand and the first to provide support for anyone, always willing to help out here or there, albeit a lift here or an encouraging word or two there. He continues to defy the logic of time when at 78 years young he is still doing complex gymnastic moves such as T2B, and hand stand push ups, as well as Olympic Weightlifting + Powerlifting movements not to mention all the narley conditioning sessions involving rowers, ski ergs, assault bikes and of course BURPEES!

Since 2024 John has himself been linked closely with StrongMen not only to help work through this tragedy but also to help many others who have and are going through similar situations. We at CrossFit RNA are doing this for JONNO and for StrongMen.

SO what is the challenge??

John along with four other teammates, Coaches Ben, Scott, Hannah and Ana (team of 5) and a bunch of teams from CrossFit RNA will be taking on a 24 hour 5k running relay. Each member will run 5km individually tagging in the next member once they complete their lap, the clock will run continuously throughout the day and night until 24 hours has been completed.

Details…..

- 24 hour option: Sunday August 30th 7am - Monday “Bank Holiday” August 31st 7am.

- 12 hour option: Sunday August 30th 7am - 7pm.

- Teams of 4 or 5 members only.

- Relay format

- Choose your transport……

- 5k relay - Run / Row / Ski

- 10k relay - Bike Erg

- 3k relay - Walk

The goal is simple……TEAM WORK! Support each other throughout, mentally be present and do something challenging for a great cause!

It doesn’t matter which option you choose and what mode of transport you do, the key factor is let’s get together and let’s embrace the challenge!!

#ForJonno

Team RNA