Member News

United Fitness Partners helped support runners as they crossed the finish line for several different races. On Oct. 26, the franchise partnered with the Boys & Girls Clubs of the Valley to host a Spooky Fun Run 5K in the greater Phoenix area. Volunteers were spread throughout the racecourse to provide water and cheer on the runners. Race participants received a medal, a T-shirt and a dash pin. There was also a Kid’s Dash for kids 10 and under. After the race, participants were able to enter a costume contest and a raffle. Additionally, runners were able to go trick-or-treating with local vendors.

“We have such a longstanding relationship with Boys & Girls Clubs of the Valley, making them the perfect partner as we launch the Spooky Fun Run for the first time,” said UFP Vice President of Operations Scott McCreery. “This event is yet another way we can work together to empower and uplift the greater Phoenix community, as we not only promote healthy lifestyles but also provide young people with the tools and encouragement they need to thrive. This event shows how meaningful collaborations can inspire and create lasting positive change for our local youth.”

A portion of the proceeds from the race registrations went to support Boys & Girls Clubs of the Valley, helping the organization continue to work hard at helping youth in the area.

“We are thrilled to once again partner with Planet Fitness^® in another effort that brings our community together, promoting health and wellness for all,” said Boys & Girls Clubs of the Valley CEO Marcia Mintz. “Our clubs are deeply committed to supporting the youth in our community, ensuring they have the resources and encouragement to live happy, healthy lives. We’re excited to continue what’s been an incredible relationship with Planet Fitness as they provide families with a new local option for celebrating Halloween together.”

UFP helped with the Harvest Hero Run, which was also on Oct. 26. The 5K benefitted Warrior’s Rest Foundation, which helps local first responders heal from frontline traumas and empower them to live healthy, productive lives. The race featured a Halloween costume contest, raffle prizes, a Touch-a-Truck event and even an appearance from the mascot of the Oklahoma City Baseball Club, a cattle dog named Brooklyn.

“We are deeply honored to stand beside Warrior’s Rest Foundation in their mission to uplift the brave frontline workers who serve and protect us every day,” said United FP Regional Director Makenzi Sutterfield. “Here in OKC, Planet Fitness is committed to helping everyone reach their goals no matter where they are in their fitness journey. This is a testament that through not only fitness but strong local partnerships, we can help bring the community together for a great cause.”

In the weeks leading up to both races, UFP’s staff created a free training plan specifically tailored for non-runners to train for a 5K. This training plan helped newer runners be prepared for the races.

Both races saw tremendous interest from the local community, as more than 300 runners participated in the Spooky Fun Run race and over 160 runners participated in the Harvest Hero Run. The franchise group’s support showed Planet Fitness’s devotion to helping people get fit, no matter where they are on their fitness journey.

United Fitness Partners partnered with the NFL’s Arizona Cardinals football team, showcasing its mission for promoting healthy living in its local communities. As part of the partnership, United Fitness Partners’ staff were invited to attend a co-hosted Kids Football Training Camp event on Oct. 22.

Students from Westwind Elementary School participated in the camp, which was led by an Arizona Cardinals player. There were 100 students ages 5-10 who participated. Students practiced various drills, including running, throwing and blocking, along with playing a round of flag football. The event has been going on for years, but this was the first time it was held at State Farm Stadium, home of the Cardinals.

Throughout the day, UFP staff members manned a table with PF^® swag and information about the Judgement Free Zone^®, promoting all the benefits of a Planet Fitness^® membership to the youth in attendance. Thanks to UFP’s help, the kids were able to see just how fun fitness can be.

“Our team really enjoyed participating in this year’s Kids Camp with the Arizona Cardinals. Partnering with the team for this event was awesome and a great tie-in for our organizations by promoting an active lifestyle. The kids had a blast completing the drills and enjoyed working with our on-site team,” said UFP Field Marketing Manager Cassandra Brunner.

Taymax sponsored the 2024 Canadian FireFit Regional Championship, a multi-day competition in Oshawa, Ontario, Canada, where competitors completed a time-based relay. The competitors were firefighters from across Canada, as well as a few international participants.

Throughout the relay, participants were challenged to complete various exercises that mirror tasks commonly performed by first responders in emergency situations. From Aug. 9-11, more than 500 attendees competed in the championship. There were over 26 teams who competed in the Team Competition and 110 men and 44 women who competed in the individual competitions. There are multiple regional competitions, and Taymax was involved in the Eastern Ontario Regional Competition.

The event was family-friendly and allowed the fire department in attendance to share fire prevention education with the public. Throughout the event, numerous firefighters shared their personal stories working in the field and showcased the incredible dedication and resilience required to serve their local communities. With the event, money was raised to support the Firehouse Subs Public Safety Foundation Canada.

As a sponsor for the event, Taymax received recognition with the PF^® logo on the event shirt, brand banners around the competition course, a full-page ad in the event program and the PF logo placed on web and social pages. Additionally, seven Taymax staff members from its Oshawa, Ontario, location attended the event as a vendor. They had a booth set up, passed out swag bags to the attendees and shared the perks of a PF membership. The franchise group hopes to be the event sponsor again for 2025’s competition.

“The FireFit Champions event is a powerful tribute to the strength, resilience and unwavering dedication of firefighters, demonstrating the core skills they master to protect and serve,” said Chad Naraine, general manager of Taymax’s PF Pickering (Seaton) location.