Fitness festival returns to New Kensington, pumping up fun and fellowship
Fitness can be fun.
That’s the message from a New Kensington business owner promoting a fitness festival for all ages in downtown New Kensington.
Cullen Maag, owner of BodyWork412 on Fifth Avenue, is the organizer of the annual NK5K Fitfest.
This year, the physically themed event returns from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sunday.
Angel WingYoga teacher Crystal Volpe of Bell Township serves as festival project manager.
Volpe will host open yoga outside on the “yoga yard” street from 7 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Participants are asked to bring a yoga mat.
The festival is suitable for all ages and fitness levels, Maag said. He said last year’s event was well-received with more than 160 people running in the 5K event.
“Even in the rain, we had a good experience. We looked at that as a good response and recognized there’s a need for this in the community,” he said.
The course is mostly flat and will follow an urban route along the central downtown section of New Kensington.
Pets are not permitted on the course, and no smoking, alcohol or drug use is permitted in any area of the race, Maag said.
“Remember, this is a kid-friendly event where young lungs are at play, along with the possibility of adults with health issues,” Maag said. “We’re trying to make this event safe and comfortable for everyone.”
“Rucking 5K” participants will take a more rigorous 5K route — all while wearing weighted backpacks. Rucking involves walking with weight on one’s back, usually ranging from 10 to 45 pounds.
And if all of that sounds a bit too strenuous, walkers are encouraged, too.
Several streets, including Fifth Avenue from Ninth to 11th streets, will be closed to vehicle traffic.
“We’re real excited to bring this back because New Ken is, to me, lacking in a lot of physical activities,” Maag said. “It’s important to let folks know they can have a fitness goal. It’s a lifestyle, fitness. The fact that I can get that to reoccur each year, I invite everyone to come out and try it once.”
The Yoga Yard will offer a soothing sound bath, arm balance and handstand workshop and exhibitions.
New this year is a 3-on-3 basketball tournament for kids at the new basketball courts along Barnes and Ninth streets.
“We have these great new courts so I wanted to use them,” Maag said. Children 13 to 17 are invited to register a team for a suggested donation of $20 per team.
Proceeds will benefit next year’s festival operating expenses.
Mayor Tom Guzzo praised the new basketball courts in the yet-to-be named park, which opened in April, as a great addition to this year’s festival.
“It’s fitness in a party, and that makes it fun. The best part about it is it’s for all ages, every fitness level. Cullen did a great job of putting it together,” Guzzo said. “It’s important to have fitness for the community. (And) every opportunity we can bring people downtown, the better it is for all of us.”
A lymphatic drainage specialist, Maag said cupping and deep tissue procedures are the most in-demand services at BodyWork412.
“Cupping is a way to alleviate pain through either destagnating blood or drawing blood to a local area,” he said.
Maag moved from Colorado to Pittsburgh more than a decade ago and opened BodyWork412 in 2021.
An ultra endurance runner who runs up to 48 hours straight, Maag hopes the festival will inspire others to increase fitness in their lives.
To register for the 5K race, visit the NK5K Fitfest website.
Joyce Hanz is a native of Charleston, S.C. and is a features reporter covering the Pittsburgh region. She majored in media arts and graduated from the University of South Carolina. She can be reached at jhanz@triblive.com
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