Originally Published: 6/15/2018
Reformatted: 5/6/2021
by malia warren
A different kind of gridiron game is played in various gyms across the globe.
As of 2018, there were over 5,770 CrossFit® Affiliates in the United States.*
California is home to 11% of these, while Texas is right behind with 9%, followed by Florida and New York.
But there is one state that stands out when it comes to competitions: Colorful, CrossFitting Colorado.
On almost any weekend, you can walk into a local CrossFit® affiliate gym and find a competition going on.
Though it ranks 7th among the amount of affiliates in the state, Denver Metro (25 mile radius from city center) area alone is home to a whopping 97 CrossFit® affiliates*, making it a prime breeding ground for talent.
It’s no wonder Colorado is home to some amazing competitions, and doesn’t seem to revolve around “seasons”. There is definitely no lack of events, but the competition season usually kicks off right after the CrossFit® Open ends in March, and continues strong into the holiday season.
Most notably ending right around the infamous Turkey Challenge at MBS CrossFit, an annual competition known for its impeccable programming, organization, and world-class views of the mountainside.
Where else in the world can you say you got to do burpees on the tarmac while planes land and take off in the background?
This one attracts participants from all over the country, drawing in spectators for 3 days of fast-paced entertainment.
In 2018 and 2019, the famous Turkey Challenge was held at the Sports Stable in Superior, CO, with a qualification format for most divisions. This set the bar a little higher as most athletes needed to be invited to compete in the more dominated divisions.
This was in an effort to curb the participant population in a fair way that gave everyone the chance to qualify – this event always sells out.
New on the scene for 2018 was the Tacos and Tequila Throwdown at BackCountry CrossFit in Highlands Ranch. I personally participated in this one, and I have to say, it was very well run and organized. It’s sure to be a Colorado favorite going forward!
This even was a another victim to Covid in 2020, but it won’t be happening for the foreseeable future due to a new location for BackCountry CrossFit and space limitations.
If you’re wanting a June competition to get your summer fired up, check out the Battle Royale at Castle Rock Fitness.
Looking for a more fun girls’ day out competition? Check out Girls Gone Rx, a women’s only CrossFit® competition popping up in locations all over the world.
Don’t let the bright pink fool you, these women are badasses ready to throw down in the name of fundraising for women’s health organizations, like BrightPink!
Despite a smaller participation amount and minimal spectators allowed inside – this one powered through the Covid unrest. 2020 was my 3rd year in a row competing in this one and I still hands down recommend it to anyone that wants to get out with your girls and have some fun!
Choose the RX or the BAM (Badass in the Making) divisions based on your preference and get ready to have the BEST DAY EVER!
Whether you’re looking for a male/female partner workout, an excuse to dress up in Halloween costumes, or just want to represent your box… or maybe all three together, how are you supposed to choose the right one?
The answer is: just effing pick one! Or two or three!
With no shortage of competitions available to check out, I asked around to see what sets apart some competitions from others.
When it comes to choosing the right competition, the top priority is reputation. We want competitions with a history of being organized, fun, and some legit prizes.
You’re also looking for your division. You don’t want to sign up for an RX only solo competition when you are a scaled athlete looking to compete alongside friends. I mean, you definitely can for a challenge, but if it’s your first time, make sure its FUN over everything.
“When I first signed up I was scared as f*ck but also as excited as I’ve ever been for something” says Gene Ramirez of CrossFit Elevation.
“I knew I wasn’t going to win but I really wanted to see how far I had come and that’s always what it was about for me. Challenging myself every day to be a better version of me whether I finished first or last I just wanted to test myself and have fun.”
That, my friends, is the why. Why you should open a new browser and search for the next competition near you. 3, 2, 1…Gooooo sign up!
Still not sure you’re ready to sign up for one? Here are some more reasons why I think you’re ready.
What competition is the best in your area? Let us know! We keep an up-to-date list of all local competitions here so you can scout out your next one!
*Based on affiliate data as of 6/10/2018 available at www.CrossFit.com. Data Analysis Report available by contacting us at hello@liftingthedream.com
If you have any questions or you would like to be a guest blogger, please email us at hello@liftingthedream.com
Malia is the owner, and mamapreneur, of Lifting the Dream. When she’s not lifting heavy weights, she’s doing some fun shit outdoors with her family or attempting to make rollerblading cool again. She is a Cali girl born and raised, with salt water in her veins and sunshine in her heart. She and her family now reside near Denver, Colorado, soaking up the 300+ days of sunshine and breathtaking (literally, altitude) views.
Stay Lifting My Friends,
Bee Tee Dubs (BTW).
CROSSFIT, INC DOES NOT ENDORSE, SANCTION, APPROVE OF, OR SUPPORT THIS WORK OR ANY OPINION EXPRESSED HEREIN.
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