A new tradition begins


Jul 12, 2026

 by Lisa MacLeod
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The first Vashon Strong Hybrid Challenge: A new tradition begins

Fourteen athletes. Eight runs. Eight challenging fitness stations. One unforgettable morning.

On Saturday, July 11, Vashon Strong hosted the first-ever Vashon Strong Hybrid Challenge—a new community event designed to test endurance, strength, teamwork, and grit.

Inspired by the growing popularity of hybrid fitness events, the challenge combined running with functional fitness stations. Athletes completed eight 800-meter runs, each followed by a different challenge, including SkiErg, rowing, sled pushes and pulls, burpee broad jumps, farmer carries, walking lunges, and wall balls.

Participants had the option to compete solo or as a team. Our solo athletes, Lou and Hedvig, took on the entire course themselves, while six partner teams worked together—running every leg side by side and dividing the station work however they chose.

And while the workout was tough, the atmosphere was what made the day special.

There were smiles, encouragement, teamwork, and plenty of cheering throughout the event. Every athlete brought their own style and energy to the challenge:

  • Lou and Hedvig showed incredible determination as they tackled the full event solo, grinding through some of the toughest movements, including burpee broad jumps and walking lunges.
  • Team Foxy Kitties (Holly and Heather) brought plenty of personality to the course, completing the challenge in full makeup and proving that hard work can come with a sense of fun.
  • Ploy and Yui stayed steady throughout the entire event, encouraging each other every step of the way in Thai.
  • Team The American Idiots (Jesse and Ruby) showed that fitness is a family affair, taking on the challenge together as a father-daughter team.
  • Team Katie and Tim brought serious strength to the course, with Katie confidently taking on the heavier weights.
  • Team Deathwish – Irene and Erika E went full Firebreather mode, staying strong, fast, and focused from start to finish.
  • Team Strong Like My Mom (Cedar and Megan) made a late entry into the event and finished with an impressive sprint, posting the fastest time of the day.

Every athlete who started the challenge finished.

Times ranged from 1:09 to 1:45, but the real victory was seeing people of all abilities step outside their comfort zones and take on something challenging together in under two hours.

Coach Lisa MacLeod summed up the day:

“The first Hybrid Challenge went better than we could have hoped. The weather was perfect, the energy was incredible, and the support between athletes captured exactly what Vashon Strong is about. Seeing friends, families, and athletes of all ages and abilities take on a challenge like this was inspiring. You don’t have to be an elite athlete to do something hard—you just have to be willing to show up and give it a try.”

This first event was also a chance for us to test the format, including staggered starts and course flow. The feedback was overwhelmingly positive, and we’re already looking ahead to the next one.

Our goal is to make the Vashon Strong Hybrid Challenge an annual summer tradition—an event where anyone in the community can come together, set a goal, challenge themselves, and celebrate what they are capable of.

Next time, we hope you’ll be on the start line.

And yes, we’re already thinking about a version for our Legends and older athletes too!