On April 26 from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., CrossFit Raeford, located 242 Crossfit Lane in Raeford, will host the Festivus Games, a competition designed for novice and intermediate athletes seeking a challenging yet accessible fitness experience. Since its inception in 2011, the Festivus Games have provided a platform for the “95% of athletes who aren’t pure-Rx Fire breathers” to push their limits and experience the thrill of competition without the pressure of elite-level standards. This year’s event at CrossFit Raeford promises to deliver not only intense workouts but also a sense of community through local partnerships and shared experiences.
Kelci Noble, owner of CrossFit Raeford, expressed excitement about the growing interest in the event.
“We love the opportunity to support and promote other local, small businesses — and delicious food and drink make everything better!” Noble said. “So, being able to partner up with Carolina Hibachi and Yeleedo’s Cafe is a double win.”
The Festivus Games were created to give everyday athletes a place to test their strength, endurance, and mental grit without the intimidating demands of elite-level Crossfit competitions. Athletes will compete as individuals or in three-person same-sex teams across Novice, Intermediate, Masters 45+, and Adaptive divisions. The Masters 45+ division requires a combined age of 135+ among team members, with the youngest athlete needing to be at least 40 years old by December 31, 2025.
Unlike other Crossfit competitions, the Festivus Games are designed around capacity rather than complex skills.
“Everyone can row… just how fast?” reads the Festivus Games’ tagline. “Everyone can deadlift… just how much?” This emphasis on fundamental movements makes the competition accessible to a wide range of athletes while still providing a meaningful challenge.
Competitors can expect a full day of action, with check-in starting at 8 a.m. at CrossFit Raeford.. The registration fee is $80 for individual competitors and $240 for teams, which includes the chance to compete, an opportunity to reach the podium, and the camaraderie of working alongside fellow athletes. Registration closes on April 19, and all ticket sales are final.
While the competition itself is a major draw, Noble emphasized that the sense of community created through events like the Festivus Games is just as important.
“The beauty of Crossfit is that ANYONE can do it,” Noble said. “The goal of these workouts is that we can come together to honor and support others through fitness at whatever level you’re capable of.”
That sense of connection extends beyond the walls of the gym. The addition of Carolina Hibachi and Yeleedo’s Cafe, both local businesses, reflects Noble’s commitment to fostering community ties.
“We want to create an environment where people feel welcome and supported — whether they’re here to compete or just to cheer others on,” Noble explained.
CrossFit Raeford’s community spirit extends beyond the Festivus Games. On Memorial Day, the gym will host a 24-hour fundraising event in partnership with WarriorWOD, an organization dedicated to helping veterans manage PTSD through exercise, nutrition, and mentorship. The event will feature 24 workouts over 24 hours, each one designed to honor fallen heroes.
While the concept of 24 consecutive workouts might seem intimidating, Noble emphasized that all exercises can be scaled to accommodate different fitness levels.
At its core, CrossFit Raeford’s approach to the Festivus Games and the Memorial Day fundraiser reflects a larger philosophy of fitness as a means of personal growth and collective support. Whether pushing through a deadlift in the Festivus Games or honoring a fallen hero in a grueling Hero WOD, athletes at CrossFit Raeford are not just testing their physical limits — they are building a stronger, more connected community.
For more information about the Festivus Games or to register, visit https://competitioncorner.net/events/15424/register.