OCALA, Fla. (Feb. 3, 2022) – The City of Ocala Recreation and Parks Department, in partnership with CrossFit Iron Legion, will host the annual GRIT Strength Challenge Saturday, Feb. 5, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. at Fort King National Historic Landmark, 3925 E. Fort King St.
During the event, artillery volunteers will conduct live cannon firing. Residents in the area may hear a series of rounds fired multiple times throughout the day during the event. Cannon fire will take place between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m.
The GRIT Strength Challenge is a team-based strength and fitness challenge utilizing primitive objects that were available during the Florida Seminole War period. Teams of three participants will compete in some of the toughest, grittiest and most gnarly challenges. Each challenge is based on time-period skills, practices and challenges faced by soldiers and settlers dating back to the 1800s.
Fifty percent of proceeds from this event will go toward special projects and programming at the Fort King National Historic Landmark. To learn more about Fort King and upcoming projects, visit www.fortkingocala.com.
This event is open to the public and there is no entry fee for spectators. Food, beverages and merchandise will be available for purchase.
For more information, or to register a team, please call 352-629-2625 or visit https://crossfitironlegion.com/event/grit-strength-challenge-4/.
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About Fort King National Historic Landmark
Fort King is a 40-acre National Historic Landmark home to a life-size reconstruction of the fort and block houses that served as the location that ignited the Second Seminole War in the 1830s. Today, the reconstruction of Fort King serves as an ongoing exploration of Ocala’s past. Also on site is the Fort King Visitor’s Center, offering displays and artifacts that help bring history to life; the David Laffey Heritage Garden, a teaching garden that is open to the public year-round; a mile-long hiking trail with interpretive signage detailing the history of the land; and the Daughters of the American Revolution memorial site. Fort King is owned jointly by the City of Ocala and Marion County with funding assistance and support from the Fort King Heritage Association. For more information about Fort King, visit www.fortkingocala.com.
