Friends of Community Fitness raises over $42,000 at 6th Annual Cycl-a-thon
GUILFORD — Friends of Community Fitness is celebrating the success of its 6th Annual Cycl-a-thon, held Saturday, Oct. 17, at the community fitness center in Guilford. The annual fundraiser brought together well over 100 participants who walked, ran and biked a two-mile loop around town to raise pledges in support of the nonprofit organization.
Together, participants completed an impressive 309 loops and helped raise more than $42,000 to support Friends of Community Fitness and its mission of providing affordable fitness, wellness and community programs for people of all ages and abilities.
Of the funds raised, $13,506 will go directly toward growing the organization’s endowment fund, which was established in 2025 to help ensure the long-term sustainability of the community center. The remaining proceeds will support essential facility and equipment maintenance, free programs for the community and efforts to keep membership rates affordable for everyone.
WHEELS AT THE READY — Bicyclists get ready to go at the Friends of Community Fitness’ 6th Annual Cycl-a-thon on Oct. 17 in Guilford. More than 100 participants biked, ran and walked along a two-mile loop to raise more than $42,000 to support Friends of Community Fitness.
“We are incredibly grateful to everyone who participated, collected pledges, volunteered, and supported this year’s Cycl-a-thon,” Britney Gallagher, executive director of Friends of Community Fitness, said. “The generosity of our community makes it possible for us to continue providing a welcoming place where people can stay active, connect with others and participate in programs regardless of their financial circumstances. We are especially excited to continue growing our endowment so we can sustain our mission for generations to come.”
Friends of Community Fitness is proud to have kept its membership rates unchanged since 2019, despite rising costs and significant investments in maintaining and improving its facility. Fundraisers like the Cycl-a-thon play a vital role in helping the organization balance these expenses while continuing to offer affordable memberships and more than 40 programs each week that are free for members.
The annual Cycl-a-thon has become an important community tradition, bringing people together for a fun, active day while making a meaningful difference in the lives of local residents. The success of this year’s event demonstrates the continued commitment of the community to supporting accessible fitness and wellness opportunities throughout the region.
BIKE RIDE — Courtney and Eivin Young ride in downtown Guilford during the 6th Annual Cycl-a-thon to benefit Friends of Community Fitness.
Friends of Community Fitness extends its sincere thanks to all participants, pledge donors, volunteers, sponsors and supporters who helped make the 6th Annual Cycl-a-thon such a tremendous success.
Friends of Community Fitness is a nonprofit community fitness and wellness center located at 31 High St., Suite A, in Guilford, Maine. Dedicated to serving people of all ages and financial means, the organization offers fitness facilities, group exercise classes, senior programs, youth activities and a variety of community events. Through its commitment to accessibility and affordability, Friends of Community Fitness strives to promote healthier lifestyles and stronger community connections throughout Piscataquis County and the surrounding area.
For more information, visit www.comfitme.com or call 207-876-4813.
WALKING FOR FITNESS — Cycl-a-thon walkers start by Friends of Community Fitness in Guilford on Oct. 17. Participants together covered more than 300 two-mile loops through town to raise money for the organization via pledges.