Each year, the Boys & Girls Clubs of the Midlands hosts its Turkey Trot 5K on Thanksgiving morning. The race is one of the largest annual events raising money for programs put on by the Boys & Girls Clubs, which serve 11,200 youth in South Carolina. 

Lev Management, owned by Brian Bobenage, co-sponsored the 2019 race, along with Sunshine Fitness, for its fourth year. The race had over 1,200 runners and raised more than $40,000.  

The sponsorship included Planet Fitness^®-branded T-shirts, water bottles and event advertising through billboards and print. Winners of each age group received PF^®– branded gym bags, and overall winners got a complimentary Black Card^® membership. Over 15 PF team members came out on Thanksgiving morning for the race, some running and some volunteering by handing out goodies and awards.  

As one of its biggest events, the Boys & Girls Clubs of the Midlands relies on Planet Fitness’ support to help make the Turkey Trot 5K a success each year, but the relationship extends past the race. In addition to sponsoring the annual race, Lev Management conducts periodic fundraising campaigns and makes a monetary donation to a local chapter at each club’s grand-opening event. 

Brian Bobenage serves on the board of directors for the Boys & Girls Clubs of the Midlands and helps facilitate the relationship. “The Boys & Girls Club’s mission perfectly aligns with our own mission here at Planet Fitness, allowing for a true partnership toward the Judgement Free Generation^®,” said Bobenage. He said the 5K “is a great way to start off Thanksgiving and the holiday season” and is looking forward to another successful partnership in 2020.