Feats of Strength, Endurance Staged in Redmond

The first Feats of Strength and Endurance Challenge, what organizers hope to make an annual event, was held this weekend in Redmond. On Sunday, it was the strongman challenge.

The event was put together by Full Body Fitness and was open to both men and women, with some kids having fun as well.

The events included a yolk walk, log press, arm over arm pull, farmer’s walk and tire flip.

A portion of the proceeds raised at the event go to the Gardner family of Redmond. Brandon Gardner was diagnosed with a rare tumor last year, and organizers wanted to help the family out with the medical bills.

“It’s just something I love, helping people and volunteering my time and raising funds,” said Branegan Dixon, a personal trainer and the event organizer. “Just being involved with with the community and just out here lifting some heavy weights.”

There was also a “strong kid” challenge for some little ones to participate in.

The Gardner family received an initial check of $500. The family also would receive some of the money from the sales of t-shirts.

Two University of Oregon track athletes who competed with Central Oregon native and new decathlon world record-holder Ashton Eaton also took part in the endurance challenge.

NewsChannel 21 had a chance to ask them their thoughts on this historic achievement for Eaton.

“He’s been working very hard at it every day,” Miles Walk said. “I’m not surprised that he got it all.”

“Well I definitely thought it was very impressive,” Ron Perkins said. “He had it coming. He’s probably the hardest worker I know, and he definitely deserved it. There’s not a person out there that deserves it as much as he does.”