MIAMI BEACH, FL – The weekend of August 12-13 fitness enthusiasts from across the country met in North Miami Beach for a weekend of health, exercise and entertainment. Set at the historic North Beach Bandshell, the event included a farmer’s market, an open water swim, a beach soccer tournament, foot volley clinic and fitness influencers teaching their crafts.
Just outside the Bandshell, the top vendors in South Florida were offering their finest homegrown foods and crafts as lines of people piled salivated and took home some souvenirs to remember the weekend. Close by, the 305 Crossfit team set up a challenging obstacle course to challenge their weekend warriors including a crawl under net, jug toss and kettlebell drag. Not for the faint of heart, it took a big effort to complete this course.
On the south side of the sandbowl, Francis Farberoff and the FBS FC team conducted a beach soccer tournament that included 8 teams with matches happening throughout both days from young children and professional players. Juventus were the big winners of the weekend going 4-0 with 38 goals scored and 17 goals conceded for a +21 differential. Despite the non-stop action, there was time to get in a foot volley clinic introducing spectators to the sport that blends elements of soccer and volleyball and allowing people to try it out for the first time.
On the beach, Swim Miami Beach occurred for the 3rd year in a row and this time the weather gods allowed both a 1 mile and a 5K race. The conditions could not have been better as competitors ranted and raved over the pristine conditions and the glass-like water. The winners included Ricardo Valdivia and Mallory Schleicher for the 5K and Adam Madarassy and Alicia Mancilla for the 1 mile. There was also a Special Olympics Division in which Gregg Dedic and Gina Grant were the top finishers.
Inside the Bandshell, the action wasn’t stopping as top fitness influencers took turns on the main stage to get the people moving and sweating in most fun way possible. Influencers included Dawn B, Tiffany Monique, Suyumi Quiroz, Fernando Garcia, Tony Thomas, Janettsy, Rae Indigo, Skyler Rodgers. The event concluded with local legend Betsy Dopico pooling hundreds of people to Zumba dance, which was a highlight of the weekend.
The Miami Beach FitFest will be returning next year and you can find updates at http://www.miamibeachfitfest.com. It will continue to benefit the H2Os Foundation, the foundation dedicated to eradicating drowning in South Florida.