Grande Prairie residents are encouraged to come and cheer on their local firefighters as they host the Northern Prairie Regional FireFit Challenge.
FireFit is a race between two firefighters as they go through a number of obstacles related to their job.
Captain Todd Russell explains they’ll go though everything from stair climbing and carrying hoses to rescuing victims, all while wearing their full gear and breathing apparatus.
“We’ve always used it as a way to motivate ourselves, to try and be the best that we can in our job, and being physically fit and able to do the job is a big component of it. It’s something that’s really pushed us to get better.”
The competition runs May 24th and May 25th outside the Farmers’ Market.
In the past the competition was held at the college, but Russell hopes moving it twill bring a bigger crowd.
“We’ll have some bleachers set up. It’s a really spectator friendly event, so you can stand right up to the edge of the course and you’re only an arms length away from the competitors at different points in the race, so you can really yell and scream; we can definitely hear you while we’re running through the course.”
Nearly 100 firefighters have signed up from departments around the Peace and as far as North Vancouver and Medicine Hat.
Photo courtesy FIreFit Canada