Blueberry Beast Weightlifting Competition raises funds for Project Fire Buddies in inaugural festival event

The results are in for the inaugural Blueberry Beast weightlifting competition, a fundraiser for Project Fire Buddies through the Plymouth Fire Department chapter.

A total of 44 athletes participated in the first-ever Beast event. The oldest competitor was Stephanie Richeson, at 68, and four teenagers also took part, making for a wide range of ages and experience levels on the platform.

Burke Richeson, one of the organizers, said the event was a success despite a few first-year hiccups.

"We saw several athletes complete lifts that were personal records, and the environment was excellent," Richeson said. "We had a great time, and while there were some bumps in the process, the outcome was terrific, and we look forward to having the event next year."

Richeson said the committee plans to improve the event next year based on what they learned from this year's competition. They hope athletes saw how fun the Blueberry Beast was and will choose to participate in the 2027 event.

Female Division Winners

1st Place — Anajoy Schmucker 2nd Place — Jessica Lorntz 3rd Place — Karla Corral

Male Division Winners

1st Place — Zeke Jones 2nd Place — Michael Baxter 3rd Place — Devin Straka

Highest Overall Weight

Jack Osborn — 645 kilos (1,421.98 lbs)

Richeson encourages people to follow the Blueberry Beast Facebook page, as the committee will be posting other events throughout the year to compete in. The committee has also begun discussions for some endurance events that would crown a "Last Beast Standing" champion.

Their focus, Richeson said, is on good-natured competition where everyone gets to gauge their growth and get together for support and camaraderie.