Badge of Strength Endurance Challenge supporting The Mental Health Association (MHA)
Badge of Strength Endurance Challenge supporting The Mental Health Association (MHA)
About Mental Health Association
Who We Are
MHA (Mental Health Association) is a community-based nonprofit serving communities throughout Western Massachusetts, dedicated to helping people achieve and sustain their best lives. We deliver comprehensive, person-centered support - including mental health therapy, substance use recovery, care for individuals with developmental disabilities and acquired brain injury, and safe, stable housing and residential programs.
Thank you for your support!
Badge of Strength Endurance Challenge
Challenge Yourself. Strengthen Your Team. Support Mental Health.
More Than an Endurance Challenge
Presented by the Mental Health Association (MHA) in partnership with the Hampden County Sheriff's Office, the Badge of Strength Endurance Challenge is a one-of-a-kind team fundraising event that brings our community together to challenge themselves while supporting MHA’s programs and services in Hampden County.
MHA helps people live their best life. MHA provides access to therapies for emotional health and wellness; services for substance use recovery, developmental disabilities, and acquired brain injury; services for housing and residential programming, and more.
The Badge of Strength Endurance Challenge is Inspired by the teamwork, resilience, and dedication of first responders, law enforcement professionals, correctional officers, active military members, veterans, dispatchers, and emergency personnel, and is designed for everyone to participate - from first responders and fitness enthusiasts to businesses, families, civic organizations, and groups of friends.
Teams will work together to tackle six unique physical and mental challenges testing strength, endurance, communication, strategy, and grit, with up to two hours to complete the course.
There’s something for everyone throughout the day! Spectators are welcome to come cheer on the teams, enjoy local food trucks, children's activities, and visit vendors offering community resources and information.
Every dollar raised supports MHA’s programs and services and helps provide the resources, support, and opportunities that empower people to live their best lives.
Form Your Team
Anyone 18 years of age or older can participate.
Each team consists of four competing team members and one alternate. The four primary team members will take on the course together, while the alternate is available to step in if a team member is unable to compete or unable to finish a challenge.
Build your team with coworkers, friends, family members, gym partners, classmates, neighbors, or members of your police, fire, EMS, military, correctional, or veteran community. Teams may also compete in honor of someone who serves - or has served - in one of these professions.
Choose Your Challenge Level
The Badge of Strength Endurance Challenge features three competition levels - Beginner, Intermediate, and Advanced - so teams can choose the level that best reflects their overall fitness and ability.
Not sure which level is right for your team? Use the physical guidelines below to help you decide.
BEGINNER
Designed for participants looking for an accessible but challenging endurance experience.
Ruck Challenge
1 mile, unweighted
18–20 minute mile pace
Paddle Challenge
0.25 mile
Heavy Team Lift
Deadlift under 200 lbs.
Hold 30 lbs. per hand for 60 seconds
Bodyweight / Functional Challenge
Fewer than 20 push-ups
Fewer than 20 squats
Fewer than 5 chin-ups
Static Team Hold
15-second dead hang
Vertical Challenge
45 feet
INTERMEDIATE
Designed for participants with a moderate level of fitness who are comfortable with strength and endurance activities.
Ruck Challenge
1 mile, unweighted
15–17 minute mile pace
Paddle Challenge
0.50 mile
Heavy Team Lift
Deadlift 200–400 lbs.
Hold 50 lbs. per hand for 60 seconds
Bodyweight / Functional Challenge
20–40 push-ups
20–40 squats
Fewer than 15 chin-ups
Static Team Hold
30-second dead hang
Vertical Challenge
45 feet
ADVANCED
Designed for experienced and highly conditioned participants ready for the highest level of physical challenge.
Ruck Challenge
1 mile, unweighted
13–14 minute mile pace
Paddle Challenge
0.75 mile
Heavy Team Lift
Deadlift over 400 lbs.
Hold 75 lbs. per hand for 60 seconds
Bodyweight / Functional Challenge
More than 40 push-ups
More than 40 squats
More than 15 chin-ups
Static Team Hold
45-second dead hang
Vertical Challenge
45 feet
Which Level Should My Team Choose?
Teams should select the level that best reflects the overall ability of their team. These guidelines are intended to help participants understand the physical expectations associated with each division.
No matter which level you choose, success isn't determined by individual strength alone - it's earned through teamwork, perseverance, communication, and determination.
Registration & Fundraising
Ready to Register Your Team?
Before registering, choose a team name and designate one person to serve as your Team Captain.
The Team Captain should register first and create the team using your chosen team name. Once the team has been created, the remaining team members and alternate will be able to register individually and join the existing team under that team name.
Registration is $125 per competing team member and $75 for the team alternate.
Each participant is also encouraged to raise $300 in support of the Mental Health Association's programs and services. Every dollar raised helps MHA provide critical mental health and community-based services to individuals and families throughout our community.
Your registration includes:
Race bib and race card
Parking and transportation to the event course
Full event support throughout the day
Once registered, participants will have the opportunity to create and share their personal fundraising page, making it easy for friends, family members, coworkers, and community supporters to contribute toward their fundraising goal.
Sponsor a Team
Want to support the mission even if you're not competing?
For $1,000, businesses, organizations, police and fire associations, unions, veteran organizations, civic groups, and individuals can become a Community Champion Team Sponsor, helping cover the cost of participation while providing additional support for MHA's vital mental health programs and services.
As a Community Champion Team Sponsor, you'll receive recognition on the event website, event signage, and social media while helping make participation possible for teams and supporting the mission of the Mental Health Association.
If you're a police, fire, EMS, correctional, military, or veteran organization, sponsoring a team is a meaningful way to invest in the health, wellness, and camaraderie of those who serve your organization and community.
Interested in sponsoring a team or event sponsorship opportunities? Contact Traci Heath, Director of Development, at THeath@mhainc.org or call 413-276-0480 for more information.